“Before I went to jail, I was active in politics as a member of South Africa’s leading organization – and I was generally busy from 7 A.M. until midnight. I never had time to sit and think.”
Image credits: John Mathew Smith 2001,”From Wash D.C. Longworth building October 4, 1994. Mandela’s first trip to the United States.”,CC BY-SA 2.0,Nelson Mandela 1994 – Nelson Mandela – Wikipedia
- July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013
- Born in South Africa
- Politician, lawyer
- The first black president of South Africa, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for abolishing apartheid and building a democratic South Africa where multiple ethnic groups coexist.
Quote
“Before I went to jail, I was active in politics as a member of South Africa’s leading organization – and I was generally busy from 7 A.M. until midnight. I never had time to sit and think.”
Explanation
In this quote, Nelson Mandela reflects on his life before imprisonment, describing how his intense political activism left him with little time for personal reflection. At the time, Mandela was deeply involved in the African National Congress (ANC), working tirelessly against the apartheid regime. His days were consumed with meetings, organizing, and strategizing, often from early morning until late at night. This hectic lifestyle was characteristic of his commitment to the struggle for liberation and the fight against racial injustice in South Africa. The quote reveals the relentless nature of his activism during these years, emphasizing that the fight for freedom and equality demanded both physical and mental energy, leaving little room for personal time or introspection.
Mandela’s statement also hints at the significant change that his imprisonment brought to his life. When he was arrested and sent to prison, he was forced to slow down, leading to a period of self-reflection that he later credited as being vital for his personal growth. While in prison, he had time to think, to reflect on his beliefs, and to plan for the future. It was during these years that he formulated many of the ideas that would later guide his approach to leadership and reconciliation in a post-apartheid South Africa. The contrast between his busy pre-prison life and the time he spent reflecting in prison underscores the importance of solitude and thoughtfulness in leadership, especially in moments of struggle.
In a modern context, Mandela’s reflection also speaks to the importance of balance in the lives of individuals who are deeply engaged in social or political causes. Activists today can face similar challenges, where the urgency of their work can leave little time for personal reflection or strategic thinking. Mandela’s experience suggests that in order to lead effectively and make informed decisions, it is crucial to carve out time for thoughtful reflection and planning, even in the most demanding of circumstances.
