How Nelson Mandela Would Want You to Honor Him
"He would not agree with that". This is what I was thinking when I watched some tributes that were honoring Nelson Mandela on what would have been his 100th birthday. "He would not agree that people should strive to be like him." Don't get me wrong. I'm proud, maybe even more than most because I was born in South Africa, that we are honoring this great man.
That said, I think there's a fundamental misunderstanding by some admirers of what this man stood for. I'm not talking politics. Mr. Mandela's role in the demise of the Apartheid system is well-known by most people. What I am talking about is what Mr. Mandela believed was the right way for people to conduct themselves. He was less a believer in emulating others, although he believed that we could all learn from the intelligence, artistry, and humanity of others. He would be the first to say we should always take the opportunity to honor great people whatever they maybe and whoever they maybe. What Nelson Mandela really believed is that we should all strive to be "our best self". He believed that if we all made it our mission to defeat our detractors, demons, insecurities, and fears we would become the best human beings that fate destined us to be and humanity as a whole would benefit.
Thus, to those who say every leader should strive to be the next Nelson Mandela, the great man would be flattered but would say you have misunderstood my struggles. It's not my wish that you become like me. It's my wish that you become your best self and have the courage to accept whatever challenges that may entail.
So, go ahead and partake in the global celebration of Nelson Mandela's 100th birthday. Just remember this: when some well-meaning talking heads and admirers ask what can you do to be more like Nelson, his question to you would be this: What can you do to be the best you? That's how you will really honor that amazing man.
What do you think?
Thabo
Recent Comments
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A thought provoking, honorable request for perspective Thabo. Many thanks
...It is also important that we reflect upon the struggles that face each of us in a daily way...whereby poverty, lack of nutrition, education and circumstance stand in opposition to our being the very best we can be.
There are many having the presence of mind to realize that we all share responsibility - a need to build community and relationship to bring such trials into check
May we all "Shine brilliant" by our actions
Respectfully
David R
Thank you and well wishing you a very lovely holidays, Pernilla. Certainly there is a whole community of great minds and hearts out here that make a difference...we are blessed to be together
Thabo,
Thank you for sharing and I would agree with you
the man himself would reply with a question :)
Susan
Thank you, Susan.
Yes, Nelson Mandela was a very reflective man. He most likely would reply with a question.
Thabo
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Hello Thabo!
Awesome words!
Wise man, he was, Nelson Mandela.
I do admire him and his work for a peaceful world. I know his life story and I think it was strong of him to endure all these years as a prisoner and when he got free he followed not the path of revenge and hatred, but the path of peace and justice.
Be our best self, that‘s a very wise advice. I want to strive becoming my best self. Want to honor this great man, as good as I can.
Thabo, you are a very wise man too!
:-) Pernilla
Thank you, Pernilla.
I am humbled and honored by your kind words.
Thabo