Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon.

When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.

Ethiopia always has a special place in my imagination and the prospect of visiting Ethiopia attracted me more strongly than a trip to France, England, and America combined. I felt I would be visiting my own genesis, unearthing the roots of what made me an African.

It is wise to persuade people to do things and make them think it was their own idea.

I cannot overemphasise the value we place on a free, independent and outspoken press

I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.

Prison itself is a tremendous education in the need for patience and perseverance. It is above all a test of one's commitment.