Nelson Mandela, leader of the movement to end South African apartheid, is released from prison after 27 years on February 11, 1990.

““As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” – Nelson Mandela

“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” – Nelson Mandela

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” – Nelson Mandela

“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.” – Nelson Mandela

“I never lose. I either win or learn.” – Nelson Mandela

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” – Nelson Mandela

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

“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.” – Nelson Mandela

“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” – Nelson Mandela

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” – Nelson Mandela

“The greatest glory in living is not in falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela

“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” – Nelson Mandela