A revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, Nelson Mandela was the country’s first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His strong belief, in the power of empathy, honesty, and dialogue to heal the deepest and most intractable wounds. He won Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his lifelong pursuit of racial peace and reconciliation. Mary Benson in the biography of Nelson Mandela, Nelson Mandela: the Man and the Movement (1986), described Mandela as “a born mass leader who could not help magnetizing people”. Mandela is considered as one of the few leaders capable of inspiring the confidence of the masses.

Here are 15 most motivational quotes by Nelson Mandela:

1. Lead from the back and let others believe they are in front.

2. Fools multiply when wise men are silent.

3. You can start changing our world for the better daily, no matter how small the action.

4. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

5. May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.

6. The greatest glory in living is not in falling, but in rising every time we fall.

7. A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.

8. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.

9. After climbing a great hill. One only finds that there are many more hills to climb.

10. I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.

11. Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

12. Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.

13. Poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings.

14. When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.

15. Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.