perseverance Quotes

In my country we go to prison first and then become President.

It always seems impossible until it's done.

There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.

At the outset, I want to say that the suggestion that the struggle in South Africa is under the influence of foreigners or communists is wholly incorrect. I have done whatever I did because of my experience in South Africa and my own proudly felt African background, and not because of what any outsider might have said.

After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.

The names of Dingane and Bambata, Hintsa and Makana, Squngthi and Dalasile, Moshoeshoe and Sekhukhuni, were praised as the glory of the entire African nation. I hoped then that life might offer me the opportunity to serve my people and make my own humble contribution to their freedom struggle.

I was first imprisoned in Pretoria, and then, thereafter, I was taken to Robben Island. I stayed there for a couple of weeks. I was taken back to Pretoria when I was charged in the Rivonia trial, when I was then sent to Robben Island for life.

Does anybody really think that they didn't get what they had because they didn't have the talent or the strength or the endurance or the commitment?

I can't pretend that I'm brave and that I can beat the whole world.

Even if you have a terminal disease, you don't have to sit down and mope. Enjoy life and challenge the illness that you have.