nelson mandelaNelson Mandela was hospitalized earlier today to undergo a hernia operation. He is 93 years old and is expected to be fine. In fact, he should be able to head home in just two days.

Still, even though hernia surgery is a pretty common thing, and it appears this was a scheduled procedure, anytime someone that old goes under a knife, you worry about their making it through.

As the beloved Mandela recovers, I began to think about some of the genius things he has said throughout his storied life. His quotes are particularly meaningful as lessons in parenting; this is what we should be teaching our children.

Here are 7 quotes by him that keep us inspired ...

  • "It's always impossible until it's done."
  • “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
  • “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
  • “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
  • "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
  • "If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner."
  • "It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership."

 

Do any of these quotes really resonate with you?

 

Image via Abode of Chaos/Flickr