“People respond in accordance to how you relate to them. If you approach them on the basis of violence, that’s how they’ll react. But if you say, ‘We want peace, we want stability,’ we can then do a lot of things that will contribute towards the progress of our society.”
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.
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Quote
“People respond in accordance to how you relate to them. If you approach them on the basis of violence, that’s how they’ll react. But if you say, ‘We want peace, we want stability,’ we can then do a lot of things that will contribute towards the progress of our society.”
Explanation
In this quote, Nelson Mandela underscores the profound impact that approach and attitude can have on social and political relationships. Mandela, who had spent much of his life fighting against apartheid and later promoting reconciliation, believed that society’s path to progress depended on peaceful engagement rather than violence. His statement reflects his commitment to nonviolent solutions even in the face of extreme adversity. By emphasizing peace and stability, Mandela advocates for constructive dialogue and mutual understanding as the foundation for progress. His experience, both as a political leader and a former prisoner, showed him that violence begets violence, and only through peace could a divided society move forward.
Historically, Mandela’s transition from advocating armed resistance to championing peace and reconciliation is central to his legacy. Early in his activism, he supported sabotage against apartheid institutions, believing it was a necessary means to end the oppressive regime. However, after his release from prison, Mandela became a leading advocate for peaceful negotiations and the avoidance of civil war in South Africa. He emphasized forgiveness and unity as crucial elements in rebuilding a country fractured by decades of racial and political violence. His ability to shift from militant resistance to statesmanship made him a global symbol of the power of peace and dialogue.
In modern terms, Mandela’s insight is highly relevant in today’s world, where conflicts—whether in the form of political divisions, social unrest, or international tensions—often escalate into violence. His words remind us that effective leadership is about building trust and finding common ground. The principle of peace applies not only to global diplomacy but also to personal relationships and societal progress. By approaching others with a mindset of cooperation and respect, as Mandela advocated, individuals and communities can contribute to a more stable, harmonious world.
