18 Inspiring Nelson Mandela Quotes For Entrepreneurs
Written by Dana Sanchez
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.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.”
“It is a simple tale, but its message is an enduring one: virtue and generosity will be rewarded in ways that one cannot know.”
“There is little to be said in favour of poverty, but it was often an incubator of true friendship. Many people will appear to befriend you when you are wealthy, but precious few will do the same when you are poor.”
“A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don’t have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed.”
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
“Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.”
“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice.”
“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.”
“Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.”
“Vision without action is just a dream, action without vision just passes the time, and vision with action can change the world.”
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
“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.”
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
“Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any person can have.”
“Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will”