Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward. 

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.

You can't just let nature run wild.

If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music. 

If Hitler invaded hell I would make at least a favourable reference to the devil in the House of Commons. 

In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same.

We must think and act like a nation of a billion people and not like that of a million people. Dream, dream, dream!

There is no way you can pay back for kindness because it comes for free.

Whatever position I occupied, it was the result of colleagues - of my comrades in the movement - who had decided in their wisdom to use me for the purpose of focusing the attention of the country and the international community on me.

Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That's because they were able to connect experiences they've had and synthesize new things.

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.

With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die.