One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was that until I changed myself, I could not change others.

When we decided to take up arms, it was because the only other choice was to surrender and to submit to slavery.

I have always regarded myself, in the first place, as an African patriot.

There is a universal respect and even admiration for those who are humble and simple by nature, and who have absolute confidence in all human beings irrespective of their social status.

During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.

Negotiation and discussion are the greatest weapons we have for promoting peace and development.

After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.