South African leader Nelson Mandela has undoubtedly received countless accolades and praise. Today the renowned leader celebrates his 92nd birthday. Given the breadth of his contributions and his legacy, are there even words to describe his remarkable legacy?
How can I find words to reflect upon the years of persecution and his response with peace and wherewithal to lead a nation divided? That can only be by sharing his words of wisdom.
Rather than take time to write my own words, it seemed more befitting to bring his words to the forefront in my reflection.
“I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I therefore place the remaining years of my life in your hands.”
“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.”
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
“In my country we go to prison first and then become President.”
“There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.”
“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.” -Excerpt from Long Walk to Freedom.
“I always remember the axiom: a leader…is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.”
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
-Reflections compiled by Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
