7 Nelson Mandela Quotes to Help Our Children Become Strong Adults

Every parent knows that raising children is a very important job. We raise them with the hopes that they will be honest, hardworking, compassionate human beings. With patience and love, we teach them about morals and manners, joy and justice, safety and security with the hopes that they mature into adults that carry themselves with integrity.

With the passing of Nelson Mandela on December 5, 2013, I began to think of some of his famous quotes. I started noticing that some of his most memorable quotes are things that I strive to teach my children about themselves, character, and the world. Below are 7 important Nelson Mandela quotes to teach our children so they become strong adults filled with conviction and drive to change the world.

1. “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.”
2. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
3. “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
4. “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
5. “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”
6. “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”
7. “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”