Before I went to jail, I was active in politics as a member of South Africa's leading organizations - and I was generally busy from 7 A.M. until midnight. I never had time to sit and think.

I am enough of an artist to draw freely on my imagination.

It is more agreeable to have the power to give than to receive. 

To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest.

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.

Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.

Why is it that a large majority of Hindus do not inter-dine and do not inter-marry? Why is it that your cause is not popular? There can be only one answer to this question, and it is that inter-dining and inter-marriage are repugnant to the beliefs and dogmas which the Hindus regard as sacred.

Me only have one ambition, y'know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together - black, white, Chinese, everyone - that's all.

It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.  

Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today. 

We may have our private opinions but why should they be a bar to the meeting of hearts?

Wisdom dawns on us when we start losing our wisdom teeth!