Mandela was an intelligent, educated man who displayed enormous 

dignity, always.

He helped prevent a civil war and created peace in a country that the world thought
would tear itself apart.

He was locked up in prison for 27 years by the Apartheid government, just basically to
get rid of him. And during that time, gained the respect and friendship of his white
jailers. When he was finally released, he did what very few of us are capable of doing, he
forgave. He said, “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my
freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.”
He became one of the most forgiving and peaceful individuals the world has ever seen.

He did not seek revenge but instead agreed to reconciliation. He was revered by an
enormous amount of people but he chose to do the right thing instead of instigating
bloodshed. And that takes a lot of strength and courage to be able to do what he has
done to the people who has mistreated him. Forgive. Personally, I would not be able to
do what he did, forgiving his enemies. I would not be able to do that, if it’s just minor, I
can easily forgive that. But, if it’s a major one like physically harming me or verbal
lashing, I don’t just sit back, I fight back, but only if they are the ones who throw a
punch first.

He lead South Africa from a hateful place to a country that, well, needs a little guidance
right now but, one where all races live together and can accept each other for who they
are.