I always knew that deep down in every human heart, there…

““I always knew that deep down in every human heart, there was mercy and generosity.””

Nelson Mandela

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Deep within every human heart lies compassion and generosity.

In simple terms: Everyone has innate mercy.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate and express inner generosity.

Themes

humanity compassion generosity

Mood

inspirational hopeful

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

community service
conflict resolution
leadership
education

Key Concepts

psychology human nature

Questions to Reflect On

What blocks our innate generosity?
How can societies nurture it?

A Different Perspective

Not all act on this inner goodness.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Nelson Mandela

We must work together to ensure the equitable distribution of wealth, opportunity and power in our society.

Nelson Mandela

Especially for those of us who lived in single cells, you had the time to sit down and think, and we discovered that sitting…

Nelson Mandela

If you don't allow people to contribute, to offer their point of view, or to criticize what has been put before them, then they…

Nelson Mandela

Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.

Nelson Mandela

As a leader... I have always endeavored to listen to what each and every person in a discussion had to say before venturing my…

Nelson Mandela

Some of the mission groups that have been responsible for our education have not been part of the government. In fact, they acted contrary…

Nelson Mandela

“I believed that I would become a counsellor to the Thembu king,”

Nelson Mandela

What he means by this is that instead of saying you'll "try", you need to "do". And as we let our light shine, we…

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…

Nelson Mandela

We need to exert ourselves that much more, and break out of the vicious cycle of dependence imposed on us by the financially powerful:…

Nelson Mandela

“Prison is a still point in a turning world, and it is very easy to remain in the same place in jail while the…

Nelson Mandela

A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we…

Nelson Mandela

I am aware of what the position is in the United States of America. If somebody gives to charity, then he gets a tax…

Nelson Mandela

It is our duty to give support to the brother leader ... especially in regards to the sanctions which are not hitting just him,…

Nelson Mandela

It was during those long and lonely years that my hunger for the freedom of our own people became a hunger for the freedom…

Nelson Mandela

Explore all 809 Nelson Mandela quotes

More Compassion quotes

Half the misery of human life might be extinguished if men would alleviate the general curse they lie under by mutual offices of compassion,…

Joseph Addison

“I fight with love and kindness as my weapons and compassion as my defense.”

Debasish Mridha

I really enjoy making people laugh; I've discovered that's a great technique. That's as powerful as stirring their sorrow, stirring their compassion, because that…

Max Lucado

“If you refuse to use physical force, then you will be at the mercy of your oppressor!”

Segun Magbagbeola

For some reason, we are truly convinced that if we criticize ourselves, the criticism will lead to change. If we are harsh, we believe…

Geneen Roth

I could not have slept tonight if I had left that helpless little creature to perish on the ground.

Abraham Lincoln

We are puzzled and bewildered whenever we see suffering in this world because we have become accustomed to the mercy and the long-suffering of…

R. C. Sproul

“Helpers in every corner, helpers in every hood. That's how we'll make the move, to reform from rude.”

Abhijit Naskar

There are a number of qualities which are important for mental peace, but from the little experience I have, I believe that one of…

Dalai Lama

May the gods have mercy on whoever pisses them off, because Zarek and Jericho will have none for them. (Madoc) You’d better be glad…

Sherrilyn Kenyon

When you need empathy, you cannot give empathy.

Marshall B. Rosenberg

But victimhood was seductive, a release from responsibility and caring. Fear would be transmuted into weary resignation; failure would no longer generate guilt but,…

Dean Koontz