Before I went to jail, I was active in politics as a member of South Africa's leading organization - and I was generally busy from 7 A.M. until midnight. I never had time to sit and think.

Rhetoric is not important. Actions are.

There are few misfortunes in this world that you cannot turn into a personal trimuph if you have the iron will and the neccessary skill.

The best weapon is to sit down and talk.

Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life . . .

There is no future without forgiveness

No power on this earth can destroy the thirst for human dignity