Believing Quote by Scilla Elworthy
“Nelson Mandela went to jail believing in violence, and 27 years later he and his colleagues had slowly and carefully honed the skills, the incredible skills, that they needed to turn one of the most vicious governments the world has known into a democracy. And they did it in a total devotion to non-violence.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, paraphrased
Violence can be a catalyst for change, but lasting peace requires disciplined non‑violent effort.
In simple terms: Violence may start a movement, but non‑violence sustains it.
Key Takeaway
Commit to non‑violent methods.
Themes
justice
peace
activism
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
inspirational
historical
When to use this quote
- political reform
- civil rights movements
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
social change
ethical strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can non‑violent tactics be made more effective?
- What sacrifices are needed for peaceful change?
A Different Perspective
Non‑violence may be slower and face opposition.
![“When [Nelson Mandela] was in prison I admired him for his moral strength... Of his period in power I can see few results. Apartheid no longer exists, at least to all appearances, but no one understands what the new government in South Africa is doing.” quote by Mengistu Haile Mariam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/26c/mengistu-haile-mariam-31262_apartheid_when-nelson-mandela-was-in-prison-i-admi_2790318.jpg)
