The victory of democracy in South Africa is the common achievement of all humanity.

I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.

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.

Nonviolence is a good policy when the conditions permit.

A new society cannot be created by reproducing the repugnant past, however refined or enticingly repackaged.

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.

Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.