Image via Complex Original
Very few people can lay claim to having been through it all. Nelson Mandela was one of them. Between battling apartheid and institutionalize racism, spending almost three decades in prison and winning the Nobel Peace Prize, the former president endured both wins and hardships, while always maintaining a clear heart and mind—espousing sage advice in the interim. Even watching his journey in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, it’s clear he lived the kind of life that makes whatever you did today, this month, all of your life, pale in comparison. (And as the Idris Elba casting implies, looked like a badass while doing so, too.) Got a friend who won't shut up about their first world problems all day? Take them to see Mandela, then hit them with these 10 wise Mandela quotes to shut them the hell up.
Transformation
“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”
Something to keep in mind when you’re in that bar full of hometown friends and everyone else you graduated with on Thanksgiving Eve.
Education
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
So maybe stop treating that whole homework and tests part of college (read: everything in between the frat parties) like it’s a burden.
Procrastination
“It always seems impossible until its done.”
Stop procrastinating on that presentation, that paper, that job search or asking her out. After all, it’s not like you’re fighting to end institutionalized racism, or anything.
Apprehension
“Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.”
Something to keep in mind especially during the holidays. Whatever the offense—is it really that unforgivable? Or are you just fronting to be stubborn?
Liberation
“I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”
The takeaway: do away with all those Yes Men in your crew. At the end of the day, if they’re not offering any new perspectives, they’re worthless.
Trepidation
“Sometimes, I feel like one who is on the sidelines, who has missed life itself.”
Nelson Mandela, of all people, feels like he lived life on the sidelines? And you’re whining because you haven’t gone out the past couple of weekends? Meanwhile, you’re missing life at every turn because you’re too busy taking selfies.
Dedication
“I have retired, but if there’s anything that would kill me it is to wake up in the morning not knowing what to do.”
You’re more than half Mandela’s age but probably didn’t wake up until 12 and haven’t done anything besides update your Facebook status. Change that.
Actualization
“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”
Mandela’s dark moments were greater than that one week your neighborhood’s power went out. Not to mention you’ve been “giving yourself up to despair” for the past several weeks because she broke up with you. Try doing 27 years in the bing first.
Redemption
“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”
The next logical step after keeping your enemies close. A little bit more constructive than sub-tweeting, wouldn’t you say? And honestly, less effort too.
Alienation
“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”
Or as Diddy best paraphrased, “Hate is for suckers.” You’re the only one that cares about your various grudges. Why waste time hating if the only person whose day it’s fucking up is yours?
