The lives of many people are spent in search of success. They seek wealth, fame or power. Nevertheless, the real greatness can be found somewhere else. It is present in the manner in which we treat the people that surround us. The quote of the day today is the quote of a man who transformed the world with peace and kindness. He thought that our time on earth ought to be spent in lifting others up. This concept assists us to redefine the concept of successfulness. It challenges us to see beyond our needs.
Quote of the Day by Nelson Mandela
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Who was Nelson Mandela?
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a renowned South African leader. He is commonly referred to as Madiba by people as a sign of respect. He was in prison 27 years because he was fighting against Apartheid. Apartheid was a system that separated people of various races. He did not prefer to hate even after several years in a small cell.
In 1990, he was released. In 1993, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. A year later, he was elected as the first black president of South Africa. He labored hard to unify people. He is now an international icon of peace and justice. His life demonstrates that a single individual can make the world a better place.
Context of the Quote by Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela spoke these words during his 90th birthday celebration in London’s Hyde Park in 2008. This was the stage in his life when he had retired in politics. He was no longer the president, but he was still a teacher to the world.
He was interested in sending a message to the younger generation. He believed that his era as a leader was coming to an end. He would have liked others to be on the forefront in assisting the poor and the sick. He took this opportunity to remind us that life is short. Life is not very long and we have to utilize our time in doing good. He did not wish to be remembered as a president. He would like to be remembered by the lives he touched.
Meaning of the Quote by Nelson Mandela
This quote consists of two major sections. First, it mentions the “mere fact” of living. This implies that it is not sufficient to breathe or even exist. All people live, and not all people have a purpose. According to Mandela, living a self-centered life is a little life.
The second section is concerned with the issue of significance. This word is used to describe the degree of importance of something. According to Mandela, our lives have a value depending on what we have done. When you save someone, your life will be more meaningful. When you assist a community, your legacy will increase. He is of the opinion that our worth is not determined by what we receive. Rather, it is quantified by the amount we give. It is an appeal to leave the field of me to that of we.
Applicability of the Quote by Nelson Mandela in Real Life
You do not have to be a president to follow this advice. You can apply this quote in small, daily ways.
In Your Family: Take time to listen to a relative who is lonely. The way you listen makes a difference in their day.
In the Workplace: Assist a new colleague to orient him/her. One of the ways of serving people is by sharing your knowledge.
In Your Town: You can volunteer for service at a local food bank. Two hours a month can benefit a lot of families.
In Strangers: A simple act of kindness, such as holding a door for someone is going to change the energy of the day.
The aim is to seek instances of difference-making. Do not wait for a big chance to become a hero. Concentrate on being useful at the point where you are. Such little things cumulate in the course of a lifetime. They establish the meaning that Mandela spoke of.
ALSO READ: Quote of the Day: Abraham Lincoln on the Duty of Today
Interesting Fact About Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was given the name “Rolihlahla” at birth. In his local Xhosa language, this name literally means “pulling the branch of a tree.” However, the common meaning of the word is “troublemaker.” He indeed lived up to that name by rocking the unjust laws of his nation.
In conclusion, Nelson Mandela showed us that a life of service is a happy life. He demonstrated that we are all interrelated. By assisting another person, we enrich our lives as well.
