"There is nothing I fear more than waking up without a program that will help me bring a little happiness to those with no resources, those who are poor, illiterate, and ridden with terminal disease."

Happiness

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Insight & Reflection

The theme of happiness is universal, yet Nelson Mandela manages to capture its essence in a uniquely profound way. Taking a moment to internalize this can shift our mindset, reminding us that our perspective on happiness often shapes our reality.

About Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation. Ideologically an African nationalist and socialist, he served as President of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the ShortQuote Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Nelson Mandela

"Sometimes, I feel like one who is on the sidelines, who has missed life itself."

— Nelson Mandela
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"Communists have always played an active role in the fight by colonial countries for their freedom, because the short-term objects of Communism would always correspond with the long-term objects of freedom movements."

— Nelson Mandela
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"Wisdom principle 64 tells us that the journey of life is lesson 78."

— Nelson Mandela
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"If the United States of America or Britain is having elections, they don't ask for observers from Africa or from Asia. But when we have elections, they want observers."

— Nelson Mandela
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More about Happiness

"I think all those people I did stories about measured their own success by the joy their work was giving them."

— Charles Kuralt
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"You can't be happy by doing something groovy."

— Bob Dylan
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"For pure joy, I look at a small painting by Arbit Blatas. An ocean liner is at the center of the composition, perhaps ready to depart. It holds the promise of discovery."

— Antonio Damasio
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"A happy life is one spent in learning, earning, and yearning."

— Lillian Gish
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