“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. “
~ Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela passed away yesterday at the age of 95. He was a great leader and a great man; and at his core he was a fighter. He fought for peace and freedom, and he gave the world (and millions of individuals) hope that these could be achieved. Even through his 27 year incarceration, Nelson Mandela held fast to his principles, never compromising his cherished ideals, not even when presented with the opportunity to gain his own freedom. Upon his release, the world became witness to his immense generosity of spirit, which allowed him to be magnanimous when most of us would have given in to bitterness. Nelson Mandela was a man of awe-inspiring integrity.
With his passing, the world has lost a bright light of humanity; the kind of human being whom we might all aspire to become: courageous, with a tremendous capacity for empathy and an unquenchable desire for justice. Nelson Mandela will be deeply mourned, and sorely missed.
His attitude of forgiveness, his accomplishments, and his life will continue to serve as an inspiration for everyone who values equality and justice. He leaves this world with a legacy of hope – hope that the world can become a better place. Hope that it is possible for all of humanity to be free.
“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.” ~ Nelson Mandela
~ Christiana
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