“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
- July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013
- Born in South Africa
- Politician, lawyer
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Quote
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Explanation
This concise quote by Nelson Mandela speaks to the universal experience of facing daunting challenges and the way in which difficult tasks often seem insurmountable at the outset. Mandela emphasizes that the impossibility of a goal is often a perception rather than a reality. Once the task is completed, it becomes clear that what once seemed impossible was actually achievable through persistence, determination, and a steady commitment to action. This quote encapsulates the idea that transformative change—whether personal, societal, or political—often begins with an overwhelming sense of doubt but can only be accomplished by persevering through obstacles, doubts, and setbacks.
Historically, Mandela’s own life and his role in the anti-apartheid struggle are a testament to this belief. The fight against apartheid in South Africa, which seemed insurmountable for many years due to the entrenched power of the apartheid regime, was ultimately successful, largely due to the persistence of people like Mandela and other activists who refused to accept defeat. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, facing injustice, oppression, and the seeming impossibility of ever seeing a free South Africa. Yet, his unwavering commitment to equality and freedom ultimately led to the dismantling of apartheid and the birth of a new democratic nation. His own experience of enduring a seemingly hopeless situation and eventually achieving the unimaginable lends weight to this statement.
In modern contexts, Mandela’s quote resonates with anyone facing seemingly impossible tasks—whether it’s achieving social justice, overcoming personal obstacles, or confronting global challenges like climate change or poverty. The quote serves as a reminder that progress often feels elusive until it is achieved. It encourages people to continue pushing forward, even when the road ahead seems overwhelming or uncertain. Whether in activism, policy reform, or individual self-improvement, this quote calls on people to persevere and to believe that the seemingly impossible can indeed be accomplished, even if it takes time, effort, and collective action.
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