"I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities."

Freedom

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Thematic Reflection

This quotation examines the core nature of Freedom as articulated by Nelson Mandela. Within historical and literary traditions, reflections on Freedom 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

"I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself."

— Nelson Mandela
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"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."

— Nelson Mandela
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"Wisdom principle 34 tells us that the journey of life is lesson 60."

— Nelson Mandela
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"Wisdom principle 105 tells us that the journey of life is lesson 2."

— Nelson Mandela
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More about Freedom

"Thus, it was to seek true civilization and true justice for all the peoples of the world, and to view this as the destruction of personal freedom and respect is to be assailed by the hatred and emotion of war, and to make hasty judgments."

— Hideki Tojo
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"The freedom of thought is a sacred right of every individual man, and diversity will continue to increase with the progress, refinement, and differentiation of the human intellect."

— Felix Adler
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"The part which American friendship played in helping us to win the freedom we enjoy in this part of Ireland has been gratefully recognized and acknowledged by our people."

— Eamon de Valera
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"Freedom, morality, and the human dignity of the individual consists precisely in this that he does good not because he is forced to do so, but because he freely conceives it, wants it, and loves it."

— Mikhail Bakunin
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