Nothing is black or white.

Blaming things on the past does not make them better.

Friends, Comrades and fellow South Africans. I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom for all. I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I therefore place the remaining years of my life in your hands.

We must look within ourselves, become responsible and provide fresh solutions if we ever want to do more than complain,or make excuses.

Millions of people in the world's poorest countries remain enslaved by the chains of poverty. It is time to set them free.

As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.

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