When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.
A freedom fighter learns the hard way that it is the oppressor who defines the nature of the struggle, and the oppressed is often left no recourse but to use methods that mirror those of the oppressor. At a point, one can only fight fire with fire.
– from Long Walk to Freedom
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
For a revolution is not just a question of pulling a trigger; it’s purpose is to create a fair just society.
Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any person can have.
In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility.
– from Long Walk to Freedom
Success in politics demands that you must take your people into confidence about your views and state them very clearly, very politely, very calmly, but nevertheless, state them openly.
– from Conversations With Myself
During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.