Random reflections on Nelson Mandela

Of all the men living, no one inspires optimism like Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela does. In spite of being jailed for 27 years for standing up for his rights, he refused to despise his tormentors and walked the road of goodness and forgiveness instead.

The icon

He remains distinguished from other world greats because of his impassioned cause for the greater good of others. Consider his famous words: "I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities... if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

Mandela's life and times truly teach that true legacy is only for those who forget personal comfort and pay any price to leave a worthy mark on the world. I am profoundly inspired by his words that "Many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again befo
re we reach the mountaintop of our desires." He proved that the "shadow of death" is only a scarecrow that hurts nobody, so one must quit playing small and strive to attain the life that he/she was created to live.

Enjoying Mandela's autobiography

To Madiba, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." It is amazing that while in prison at Robben Island, he took classes at the University of London by correspondence! The authorities tried to break him down with abuse and hard labour, but failed to reach his brain which he kept alert and inspired through voracious reading.

This later gave him good judgement of the head and the mind with which he continued to preach reconciliation. In fact every word that comes from Madiba's lips is a delight to hear because of its wisdom and inspiration. No one could have grasped the divine truth better that death and life are in the power of the tongue! He uses his tongue not to cut down like pessimists do, but to build up and give hope to the hopeless.

The world is not ready to lose a man of such rare optimism, courage, understanding, humility and versatility. His dream for a better South Africa extends to the whole of Africa; an Africa whose leaders he urges to act with courage and vision to solve the problems of the continent, foster peace and unity, and make us blossom with greatness.

Get well soon, Madiba!