"I have retired, but if there's anything that would kill me it is to wake up in the morning not knowing what to do."

Action

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Thematic Reflection

This quotation examines the core nature of Action as articulated by Nelson Mandela. Within historical and literary traditions, reflections on Action provide actionable mental models, challenging individuals to evaluate personal ethics, self-discipline, and daily actions.

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About Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation. Ideologically an African nationalist and socialist, he served as President of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997.

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More by Nelson Mandela

"It is a enduring truth that great leaders cultivate leaders, not merely followers — an essential principle for the reflective life."

— Nelson Mandela
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"Wisdom principle 49 tells us that the journey of life is lesson 69."

— Nelson Mandela
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"Wisdom principle 84 tells us that the journey of life is lesson 90."

— Nelson Mandela
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"I will not leave South Africa, nor will I surrender. Only through hardship, sacrifice and militant action can freedom be won. The struggle is my life. I will continue fighting for freedom until the end of my days."

— Nelson Mandela
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More about Action

"This is pure speculation, but for a period of time, a lot of getting into a party was through fundraising and volunteer work, and Republican women had more time to do that than democratic women, who were out there getting jobs."

— Madeleine Albright
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"If you believe in your heart that you are right, you must fight with all your might to do it your way. Only dead fish swim with the stream all the time."

— Linda Ellerbee
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"I am not thinking that because people say I am great that I really am great. I am just doing a job, just like everybody else. The only difference is that a lot more people see what I do."

— Oded Fehr
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"I always knew that I wanted to do something in business and I prepared myself for that."

— Earl Campbell
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