Education Ranks High As We Remember Nelson Mandela’s Life

The story of Nelson Mandela’s life will be remembered as one of overcoming unbelievable obstacles. At a young age he studied law, and became active in fighting against apartheid. He recognized the injustices that were going on in his country and in his life and chose to make a change.

As we reflect on his incredible life after his passing Thursday, what stands out is his belief that the only way to bring the country together and effect change was through education and peace.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” he once said.

During his imprisonment due to political activism that threatened the South African regime, Mandela fought for better prison conditions and to receive visits from prominent South African politicians, such as human rights activitist, Helen Suzman, and former Minister of Justice, Jimmy Kruger.

Mandela wrote letters from prison and even completed his LLB Degree. We can all learn a lot from the man who emerged from 27 years in prison and became South Africa’s first black president four years later. And to work hard toward one’s own education might be one of the more fitting ways to honor one of the most influential and inspirational leaders of our time.