18th July: Nelson Mandela's birthday

Today I honour Nelson Mandela, who would have been 96 today, with 10 quotations from the great man.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.
4. It always seems impossible until its done.
5. After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
6. 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.
7. There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
8. Any man or institution that tries to rob me of my dignity will lose.
9. It is wise to persuade people to do things and make them think it was their own idea.
10. Let each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to fulfil themselves.