Lessons from Mandela
Three quotes by former South African President, Nelson R. Mandela (18 July 1918–5 December 2013) are highly influential to my work. They address the topics: passion, opportunity, and possibility. As we all slowly emerge from this pandemic in the West, many people in other parts of the world—including front line workers—are still waiting for their first vaccine. It is difficult to think about passion, opportunity, and possibility when so many other people are suffering; ironically, it is also a safe position to avoid. Instead, you can take action.
As Philosopher, Fabrice Midal said,
…naturally, we resist change, because we fear the unknown. We’ve decided that status is a safe practical solution, and we pass this down to our children by shaping them to fit a certain mold meant to help them enter the job market later on (“The French Art of Not Giving a Sh*t: Cut the Crap and Live Your Life,” by Fabrice Midal, 2017, pp. 82–83).
In challenging times of change, I look at inspiring quotes that push me to think about a different outcome in the future than what I am currently ruminating on. Beneath each quote, I offer an interpretation and recommendations about how to feel more hopeful about everyday experiences and actions.
Passion
“There is no passion to be found playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” –Nelson R. Mandela
Throughout your life, you will have to make many decisions about your present and future directions. It is easy to choose any option, and any option will bring with it varying degrees of difficulty. But, this is life. As Mandela says, if you settle “for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living” you may never have the opportunity to pursue it again. Take a risk and go for it!
Opportunity
I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die. –Nelson R. Mandela
The idea of equal, and equitable opportunities for all people feeds the work of people working to improve equity, diversity, and inclusivity in their workplaces and communities. This value forms the purpose of many peoples’ lives, and it is a struggle to attain. If you have an opportunity to provide another person with a positive, and equitable experience, it may transform someone’s life, and it will be one of the most fulfilling acts that you can do.
Possibility
“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do. I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles. It always seems impossible until it’s done.”–Nelson R. Mandela
As one who can provide an opportunity, or many opportunities for others, you have the passion and drive to do it because you see what is possible. During the process—whether you are transforming the trajectory of a program, writing a dissertation or thesis, or caring for people in your community, for example, it will “seem impossible until it is done” as Mandela said. He said this, and many people who act on what is possible say this, because they are reflecting on what they did, not what they did not do, or what they might do. Imagine what is possible when you have completed what seemed like an impossible task? Instead of worrying about what might not be, you can act and reflect on what you did so that you can continue doing more good things.
These three quotes have inspired me to stay positive in uncertain times. Reflect on your passions, the opportunities you pursued and provided for others, and the possibilities that you took on in your life.
What a joyful experience to have and to share with the world!
Reflection questions:
What is your passion?
What opportunity/ies do you have?
What is possible?
Bryn Ludlow, PhD is a queer African Canadian artist and Postdoctoral Fellow with the Jean Augustine Chair, in the Faculty of Education at York University.
