A great person is not just someone with lots of money but one who sacrificed his own life to make millions live their dreams, a person who loved his nation as much as he loved himself. And Nelson Mandela, who died on Dec. 5 at age 95, was one of these people.
In terms of transcending the ego, living in the world is indeed difficult but the secret is to identify with the ego and to use it as one uses a mask. Just as when a teacher is strict with a student, the ego expressed is for the benefit of the student, not for the benefit of the teacher. This was one lesson Mandela taught me as he fought for the rights of all South Africans.
Imprisoned for nearly three decades for his battle against white minority rule, he came out ready to use his personal power to end apartheid and foster democracy.
“The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come,” Mandela said in his acceptance speech upon becoming South Africa’s first black president, in 1994.
For me, as an African, Mandela was a great source of inspiration for all he accomplished, including winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
Because of his integrity and inspiration, I can only hope I may have the chance to change the world’s views as much as he did.
Nelson Mandela, you were the kind of person we needed to make our world a peaceful place to live. May your soul rest in peace.
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