People tend to measure themselves by external accomplishments, but jail allows a person to focus on internal ones; such as honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, generosity and an absence of variety. You learn to look into yourself.

What we did was to try and exploit that spirit [the idea of giving], which was there even before I approached individual South Africans [to give to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund]. I think we must start from that angle.

I do not think that I was brought up in a unique society with unique features about giving.

The death sentence is a barbaric act . . . It is a reflection of the animal instinct still in human beings.

I never think of the time I have lost. I just carry out a programme because it's there. It's mapped out for me.

Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward.

It is most unusual to return to a place that has changed in ways you yourself have altered.