Former South African President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela died on the same day last year. At the first anniversary of his death, let us take a glance of his whole life as well as what did he say when he was alive which are still meaningful and inspiring.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18, 1918–December 5, 2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was South Africa's first black chief executive, and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalized racism, poverty and inequality, and fostering racial reconciliation. Politically an African nationalist and democratic socialist, he served as President of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1991 to 1997. Internationally, Mandela was Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1998 to 1999.

Mandela was a controversial figure for much of his life. Denounced as a communist terrorist by critics, he nevertheless gained international acclaim for his activism, having received more than 250 honors, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Soviet Order of Lenin. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, or as Tata (“Father”); he is often described as the "Father of the Nation". (Eastday/Jiang Wenran)

 

Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.

有时，时势使一代人变得伟大。你们可以成为伟大的一代。