Category Archives: Nelson Mandela

On the Banks of the River Mbashe

  No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”   Nelson Mandela, Long Walk toContinue reading “On the Banks of the River Mbashe”

The Outcome is Action

“The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living differ from the dead.” Aristotle The other day I visited Simon Fraser University, advantageously situated to overlook the mountains that stand guard over the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.  I felt the energy of learning the minute I stepped through the doors and saw students withContinue reading “The Outcome is Action”

The Man in the Arena

A dialogue on courage would be incomplete without Teddy Roosevelt’s “The Man in the Arena.”  On April 23, 1910, Teddy Roosevelt gave a speech entitled, “Citizenship in a Republic,” at the Sorbonne, Paris. Thirty-five pages long, the unforgettable passage is found on the seventh page. Many years later, Nelson Mandela gave a copy of thisContinue reading “The Man in the Arena”

Without Fear

Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway.” John Wayne Without fear, courage is meaningless. When we or, someone we love, is in danger or in pain, when our way of life is threatened, or when we experience loss and suffering, that is the moment everything changes.  There is an immediate awareness that theContinue reading “Without Fear”

Peace with our Enemy

Apartheid – the repugnant policy or system of segregation or discrimination based on racial standards Nelson Mandela (Madiba – his Xhosa clan name) – the anti-apartheid activist, the leader and co-founder of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC) Nelson Mandela was charismatic, handsome, a brilliant communicator, and a serious activist. He wasContinue reading “Peace with our Enemy”

The Legacy

Education’s legacy is hope… freedom… and the power to change the world. May we bequeath this inheritance to our children…   “He who opens a school door, closes a prison.” Victor Hugo “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” George Washington Carver “Education is the most power weapon which you canContinue reading “The Legacy”