966 Quotes by Nelson Mandela

I have been influenced in my thinking by both west and east.

As we judge others so are we judged by others. The suspicious will always be tormented by suspicion.

Artists reach areas far beyond the reach of politicians. Art, especially entertainment and music, is understood by everybody, and it lifts the spirits and the morale of those who hear it.

No one in my family had ever attended school [...] On the first day of school my teacher, Miss Mdingane, gave each of us an English name. This was the custom among Africans in those days and was undoubtedly due to the British bias of our education. That day, Miss Mdingane told me that my new name was Nelson. Why this particular name I have no idea.

Sport has the power to inspire and unite people. In Africa, soccer enjoys great popularity and has a particular place in the hearts of people.

I discovered even before I went to jail that apartheid was not run by people who were monolithic in their approach. Some of them didn't even believe in apartheid.

If each and every party involved in those commissions had asked me to testify, it would have completely undermined the function of government.

Africans require, want, the franchise on the basis of one man one vote. They want political independence.

You negotiate in bad faith if you do not forgive your adversary.