“Nothing is black or white.” ― Nelson Mandela
Today, July 18th, Nelson Mandela celebrated his 94th birthday in South Africa, the deeply loved statesman who helped bring freedom to South Africa, reminds us of the same inspirational message: “Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness”, when about two weeks ago, United States celebrated 236th birthday.
What can we learn from Mandela-one of the great leaders and the remarkable lives in the contemporary time?
- Purpose: “Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place.” Mandela
- Vision: “And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same” –Mandela
- Positivity: “It always seems impossible until it's done.” -Mandela
- Empathy: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” ― Mandela
- Humility: “Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.” ― Mandela
- Learning Agile: “A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination.” -- Mandela
- People Engagement: “No single person can liberate a country. You can only liberate a country if you act as a collective.” ― Nelson Mandela
Communities in South Africa dedicated 67 minutes of the day to volunteer work and projects for the needy — one minute to mark each of Mandela's 67 years in public service.
2. Mandela Get it All--both World-wide Respect & Being Loved
Mandela became South Africa's first black president in 1994 after spending a couple of decades in prison for his fight against racist apartheid rule, and was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts; his vision and sacrifice created equal opportunities for the next generation, like Martin Luther King, he gets both respect and being loved by people, nearly 12 million children kicked off celebrations at 8 a.m. with resounding "Happy Birthday" to him today.
He also presents life resilience when celebrating 94th birthday where life expectancy is just 52 in South Africa , with inspiring message: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” ― Nelson Mandela
3. Transformational Leader: From Rainbow Nation to Rainbow World
Under Mandela’s leadership, Apartheid was ending and soon segregation would no longer be mandated by law in South Africa in 1993, The “Rainbow Nation” was being born. With emerging so-called “Born Free” generation, now this young adults are testing Mandela’s dream of equal opportunity for all against their own dreams.
He encouraged us to ask ourselves,” who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?, and deeply understand: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ― Nelson Mandela
His speech “the world needs to be turn around, for the children” may inspire people worldwide, go beyond civic right or social justice, to connect deeply with each other, to unleash our potential, to make transformation with purpose, to make continuous progress via hard-working, to advance humanity, to work collaboratively for building a better world & a wonderful life.
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