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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker credits the people's sacrifice for his position and offers his future service to them.
In plain terms
I serve you because you fought for this; my future is yours.
What can you take from it?
Leadership is a service earned through public sacrifice.

Where it applies

  • inaugural addresses
  • acceptance speeches
  • political transitions

Putting it to work

  • acknowledge public effort
  • commit to service
  • share credit

Questions to consider

  • What does true service to the people look like?
  • How do leaders remain accountable?

Another view

Power dynamics may not always align with stated humility.

More from Nelson Mandela

  1. Only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated.

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  2. I remember we adjourned for lunch and a friendly Afrikaner warder asked me the question, 'Mandela, what do you think is going to happen to you in this case?' I…

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  3. There are many people who feel that it is useless and futile for us to continue talking peace and non-violence - against a government whose only reply is savag…

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