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About this quote

What does it mean?
Attempts to delay democratic change in South Africa were futile as the transition was inevitable.
In plain terms
You can slow down democracy but not stop it from happening.
What can you take from it?
Democratic transitions are inevitable despite opposition.

Where it applies

  • political struggle
  • reform movements
  • historical analysis

Putting it to work

  • persist in reform
  • expect inevitable change
  • mobilize supporters

Questions to consider

  • What forces make change inevitable?
  • How do you respond to delay?

Another view

The timeline for transition is uncertain and can cause suffering.

More from Nelson Mandela

  1. The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

    Permalink to quote #56
  2. Any man that tries to rob me of my dignity will lose.

    Permalink to quote #58
  3. There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.

    Permalink to quote #55

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