The World Remembers Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013
Each and every one of us would be no stranger to Nelson Mandela. He is best known for his unending passion for justice, peace and equality. Even though he has now left all of us, his legacy will be remembered forever. Immediately after news of his departure broke out, tributes from renowned celebrities and political figures started pouring in and here are some of the most beautiful of them all.
Pouring tributes from celebrities
"The Father of our nation, Nelson Mandela, has finished his journey. One wants to think in terms of big words when describing him, but this would not be right. Among the many things one can say about our Madiba (Nelson Mandela's tribal name) is that he never thought of himself as big. He was one of us, one of the people. His journey was our journey. And although he has physically left us now, his journey continues within us all" - South African Male Choral Group
"Today, as it did while he inhabited our planet, Nelson Mandela's spirit truly soars with the angels. It was a spirit born of a generosity, love, compassion and hope for mankind that may never exist at such a heightened level in any single human being again. One of the most profound honors that I have had in my life was to be able to call 'Madiba' my friend and brother" - Quincy Jones, Artist
Nelson Mandela's most memorable quotes
There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.
Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.
I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.
A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.
Selected tributes from world's renowned figures
"With his passing, there will be an immense void not only in his family's lives, but also in those of all South Africans and the many others whose lives have been changed through his fight for peace, justice and freedom" - Prince Charles
"Many around the world were influenced by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. He touched our lives in deeply personal ways" - Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary General
"All of us are living in a better world because of the life that Madiba lived. He proved that there is freedom in forgiving, that a big heart is better than a closed mind, and that life's real victories must be shared" - Bill Clinton
A tribute to Nelson Mandela, 1918 - 2013