A quote by Nelson Mandela, a politician who fought against structures of discrimination throughout his life
Nelson Mandela, the politician who became president through South Africa’s first universal suffrage election involving all races, drew worldwide attention.
Despite receiving a life sentence as an anti-apartheid activist, he fought discrimination throughout his life and is known as a great figure who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Today, we’ll share some of Nelson Mandela’s famous quotes.
These golden words, which reflect his way of life and convictions, surely hold clues for living your own life.
Quotes (1–10) from Nelson Mandela, the politician who fought systemic discrimination throughout his life
The greatest glory in life is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.Nelson Mandela
Even after spending as many as 27 years in prison, Mr.
Mandela learned the language and rugby of the Afrikaners—the main force behind apartheid—in order to engage them in dialogue.
It’s precisely because these are his words, born of tireless effort to grasp the light beyond whatever formidable barriers he faced, that they strike a chord.
His powerful message, “No matter how many times life knocks you down, just get back up,” is sure to offer bright hope to those striving toward their dreams.
A winner is someone who never gives up and keeps pursuing their dreams.Nelson Mandela
Many of us, to some extent, carry the anxiety of “Will I really get results even if I work this hard?” or “Can I truly win?” Yet his message—that winners aren’t only those with special talents, but those who refuse to give up and keep working until results come—resonates powerfully.
It’s a quote that feels like a tight embrace for the heart when you’re about to falter, urging you toward your “dream,” the kind that can only be grasped by overcoming countless trials and hardships.
The very moment you feel most discouraged is precisely when you should take action.Nelson Mandela
A quote that seems especially powerful when you feel like your spirit is about to break.
In life, there are times when you’re so down that nothing seems to help.
But in fact, those moments might be your chance to change yourself.
Why not mustering your courage, tell yourself “I can’t possibly sink any lower!” and take some action? Human resilience can sometimes unleash incredible power, and you might just be able to change your situation.
It’s a powerful message of encouragement, made all the more convincing because it comes from someone who has overcome countless difficult obstacles.
Everything seems impossible until it’s done.Nelson Mandela
As you keep taking on challenges, you’re bound to experience failures, and when they pile up, your goal can start to feel impossible.
These words tell us it’s natural to feel that way—and that it’s still crucial to keep moving forward, believing in success.
The bigger the goal, the longer the road may seem, but they remind us that perseverance is essential to making it a reality.
By believing in what seems impossible and pushing ahead, we draw closer to making it possible—words that carry a sense of hope for the future.
I never lose. I either win or learn.Nelson Mandela
Failures we experience in the midst of challenges often carry a strong negative image, and some people may feel defeated and have their spirits broken.
These words speak to how we should face such failures and the mindset that helps us rise and move forward.
They express that what matters is learning from failure—if you can use that learning for your next step, it can’t be called a defeat.
It’s a message that teaches the importance of not giving up until you achieve victory and of turning every part of the journey into strength.
May your choices reflect hope, not fear.Nelson Mandela
When we find ourselves at a crossroads in life, having to make a big decision, it’s not uncommon for anxiety to outweigh hope, tempting us to give up on our dreams and take the easy way out.
Here’s a quote to keep in mind in those very moments.
Even in the life of a man who devoted himself to the fight for equality, there must always have been many choices before him.
Let’s engrave his words on our hearts, pause to ask ourselves, “Am I choosing this path out of anxiety or fear?” and “Does the road ahead lead to a world where my dreams can take shape?”—and summon the courage to move forward.
First impressions matter. Never forget to smile.Nelson Mandela
When we think of Nelson Mandela, his calm yet radiant smile leaves a lasting impression, doesn’t it? Even in the seemingly hopeless circumstance of a life sentence, he held fast to his convictions, and after his release helped resolve the apartheid problem.
Surely there were moments when he got through hardship with a smile.
When you’re troubled or going through a tough time, deliberately putting on a smile can make your heart feel a little softer and more at ease, don’t you think? When meeting people, a smile seems to be the most powerful tool—not only for the other person, but also to brighten your own situation!