Facing fears and overcoming them to become a better version of oneself in order to generate meaningful change is a concept that Nelson Mandela’s journey best exemplifies. During the Apartheid that plagued the nation of South Africa for 50 years, Mandela fought against discrimination and poverty that wreaked havoc in the country. This show of resistance landed him in a place of imprisonment for 27 years. After Nelson Mandela lived behind bars for a large portion of his life, one may have expected him to stop his efforts in ending Apartheid in fear of going to prison again, however, he persevered and conquered his fear and continued to fight against the injustice he witnessed. Nelson Mandela’s quotes on fear ignite a passion in people to persist against resistance.

Nelson Mandela’s Quotes on Fear

1. “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”
2. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
3. “Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s inspiring others to move beyond it.”
4. “Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.”
5. “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.”
6. “We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.”
7. “There are few misfortunes in this world that you cannot turn into a personal triumph if you have the iron will and the necessary skill.”
8. “Those who conduct themselves with morality, integrity and consistency need not fear the forces of inhumanity and cruelty.”
9. “Men have different capacities and react differently to stress. But the stronger ones raised up the weaker ones, and both became stronger in the process.”

Nelson Mandela’s quotes on fear offer inspiration to overcome any internal obstacles an individual may face. In all of these quotes, Nelson Mandela promotes the idea of overcoming harrowing experiences or ideas in order to reclaim control to stand up against wrongdoings in society. Facing traumatic experiences that may fuel a dreary and dismal feeling can bring groups such as those discriminated against during Apartheid down in submission. However, these quotes remind those suffering marginalization to continue on their path despite forces like fear striving to end progress. Mandela’s words of wisdom highlight how fear is only a minor setback, and that anyone can stand against it to incite action against difficulties once they have conquered it.

 – Gowri Abhinanda
Photo: Flickr