The world remembered Nelson Mandela Saturday on what would have been his 97th birthday. The beloved leader spent 27 years in prison on Robben Island, formulating his vision for reconciliation and transition to a democratic South Africa, free from apartheid. The country’s first black president, Mandela served from 1994 to 1999. He died Dec. 5, 2013, but he continues to inspire and influence others with his spirit of peace.
The Mandela Day website urges participants to embody three Mandela values for living: free yourself, free others and serve every day. The beauty of Mandela’s empowering words is that they can be used in just about every situation.
When Mandela was released from prison, South Africa was close to bankruptcy after decades of sanctions. Mandela encouraged business to embrace ubuntu, the Nguni word that translates roughly to human kindness, and to see business as part of a team effort to overhaul the country.
Here are 18 inspiring Nelson Mandela quotes for entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Sources: Wamda, Forbes, IBTimes, GoodReads, Wikiquote, MandelaDay, M&G.