Although successful in different eras, you can see similar attitudes in two of the world’s greatest liberators.
If you’re looking for motivation and purpose through a cause greater than yourself, I’d suggest learning from the mentalities of these two.
Nelson Mandela on Robben Island and Mahatma Gandhi at a Spinning Wheel
On Finding People to Fight For
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
- Nelson Mandela
“What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?”
- Mohandas Gandhi
Know the people you’re working for – is it friends and family? a cause that is important to you? a group that is voiceless?
Once you’ve found this important group that motivates you, it’s like seeing the world through a fresh filter – names and labels fade, while the important attributes shine through.
On Happiness
“Man falls from the pursuit of the ideal of plan living and high thinking the moment he wants to multiply his daily wants. Man’s happiness really lies in contentment.”
- Mohandas Gandhi
“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.”
- Nelson Mandela
Is the happiness you’re seeking really the happiness you want?
If it is – remind yourself and use it to help find happiness in your life.
If it isn’t – find what is. Life is too short to be focusing on things you don’t enjoy.
On Finding Strength
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
- Nelson Mandela
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
- Mohandas Gandhi
Neither Gandhi or Mandela were by any means overly physically strong. In their respective countries, and on the international stage, however, they were considered giants.
Often, exerting short term shows strength means that we become weaker in the long term.
By learning from Gandhi and Mandela, we can see that it through long term perseverance that we gain strength.
On Making Peace with your Enemies
“It is easy enough to be friendly to one’s friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion.The other is mere business.”
- Mohandas Gandhi
“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”
- Nelson Mandela
To make peace with one’s enemies, put aside politics and squabbling.
Working with others may not be easy, but it is fruitful in the long run.
Often, the people we are opposed to really have similar goals and attributes to our own.
