The ten things Mandela taught us that we should teach our grandchildren

Nelson Mandela is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring men to grace modern history. Today, as International Nelson Mandela Day, we remember him for his wisdom, his kindness and his passion.

Sadly, the generations of tomorrow won’t grow up with Nelson Mandela in the media and his words shared around as commonly as we have been privileged with. So here are some of the things Mandela said, that are invaluable life lessons. Pass them down to your grandchildren. Because if you teach them these, you will help to foster their good hearts and strong heads.

He taught us to value our education, and use it wisely. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

He taught us to make friends for the right reasons and surround ourselves with people that are creative, switched on and loyal. “I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.” 

He taught us that with strong morals and a switched on mind you can conquer anything. “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”

He taught us that taking on our fears is something that makes us stronger people. “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.”

He taught us that the way we treat people, no matter lesser, better or worse off than we are is what truly defines us. “No one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens but its lowest ones.”

He taught us that in order to succeed, we must try and keeping trying in spite of failure. “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

He taught us that above everything else, to love others is the most important thing. “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

He taught us that life is all about finding the next challenge and giving it your best shot. “I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”

He taught us that making a difference to the lives of others is the biggest achievement we can make. “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” 

He taught us that we can accomplish anything if we try. “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.” 

What has Nelson Mandela taught you? What do you think is the most important thing we should endeavour to teach our grandchildren? Tell us in the comments below…