Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela: The Niger Times' 20 Best Madiba Quotes

Mandela Day was launched in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday on 18 July, 2009 via unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly.

Nations around the world join South Africa today to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day, and to commemorate the former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize winner who died December 5, 2013, The Niger Times has compiled his top 20 quotes.

Often affectionately referred to by the tribal name Madiba, below is a collection of quotes that personify his spirit:

1) "Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end."

2) "The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

3) "If I had my time over I would do the same again. So would any man who dares call himself a man."

4) "I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles."

5) "Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people."

6) "A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of."

7) "Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."

8) "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

9) "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."

10) "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

11) "Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies."

12) "Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front."

13) "Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

14) "I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days."

15) "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."

16) "If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner."

17) "I have always believed that exercise is the key not only to physical health but to peace of mind."

18) "It always seems impossible until it's done."

19) "Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished."

20) "A movement without a vision would be a movement without moral foundation."