The world celebrates Nelson Mandela’s posthumous 100th birthday today. His life of purpose, knowledge, wisdom, and sacrifice continues to inspire us.
Here are 10 things Mandela told us about life and education we all should think about and live by:
1. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
2. Young people must take it upon themselves to ensure that they receive the highest education possible so that they can represent us well in future as future leaders.
3. There are certain precautions you should take to prepare yourself for a fruitful study career. You must brush up your knowledge through systematic reading of literature and newspapers.
4. Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.
5. A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.
6. There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.
7. The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
8. Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.
9. There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.
10. Tread softly, Breathe peacefully, Laugh hysterically.