5. Never stop learning.
At the age of 70, and while still in prison, Madiba earned his Bachelor of Law degree through a University of London correspondence program. He believed that
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Lifelong learning comes in many forms: to some, it’s pursuing a degree; to others, it’s learning a new language; and, still to others, it’s staying curious and actively seeking out knowledge to become a better-informed, more empathetic citizen of the world. Regardless of your age, you should never stop learning.
6. Your Purpose is not about you.
Mandela, in a rousing speech that was meant to be censored, but somehow made its way out to the world, proclaimed right before he was sentenced to life in prison for sabotage:
During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.
And throughout his life, Mandela continued to proclaim the understanding that, indeed, our time here on earth is about serving others first and foremost, and leaving behind a legacy that future generations can build upon.
Nelson Mandela’s Speech, made on the stairs of the Cape Town City Hall, Febuary 11, 1990 the day of his release.
[youtube id=”-Qj4e_q7_z4″]
7. Do not allow obstacles to deter you from fulfilling your destiny.
Mandela believed that “Difficulties break some men but make others.” In life we encounter many challenges that can easily take us off track and blur the vision we initially had for our lives. In all his years in prison, Mandela’s inmates attested to the fact that despite the harsh conditions they encountered, this man of vision, remained determined, kind, and a leader even behind bars. When given the opportunity to gain his freedom by renouncing his stance on ending apartheid, he refused. He would not compromise his ideals for the easy way out. After his eventual release, he stated
There are few misfortunes in this world that you cannot turn into a personal triumph if you have the iron will and the necessary skill.
Words for all of us to live by.
8. Believe in your dreams.
One cannot be prepared for something while secretly believing it will not happen.
Mandela believed that his vision of a free South Africa would one day become reality. He dedicated himself so much to that goal, that he brought the rest of the world along with him. The anti-apartheid movement grew out of the collective efforts of individuals who believed in their dream of freedom—a dream that was represented by one man’s larger than life vision for his country. As with all great leaders, the end goal was more important than the obstacles to realizing it. What dream do you believe in enough to put everything you have behind it?
The greatest tribute we can pay to this man who made an impact on his country, his continent and humankind is to live out the rest of our own lives applying his universal ideals. For:
There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.—Nelson Mandela
Rest in peace, Madiba.
View this beautiful online exhibit depicting Nelson Mandela’s life in powerful pictures and personal stories by others.
BMWK – What lessons did you learn from Nelson Mandela?
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