Today is the 20th anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela, what are your thoughts on the man & his story?

Yes. That we need more like him in this world. Courageous peace-makers and visionaries. Also that we need to make more of such people our leaders.

I’m mixed in regards to how I feel about Nelson Mandela. As the savior of a nation crippled by apartheid I have enormous respect. My problem with the man has always been his unwaivering support over the years of the African National Congress. Although the mission of the ANC is something I support, many of its methods I have disdain for; for example the violence and terrorism carried out by Spear of the Nation, the militant arm of the ANC, as well as its criticism of non-violent protest.
I have far more respect for Desmond Tutu who continued to criticize both the violent methods of the African National Congress and the Apartheid government of de Klerk even though he was putting himself in danger of assassination from both sides.

I admire greatly his mindset after suffering being imprisoned so long.

@AstroChuck Proplem?

Better!

He showed what working constructively can do. The alternative that Robert Mugabe adopted in Zimbabwe has brought what was once a fairly prosperous nation to its knees. The issue of ANC becoming effectively the only party in South Africa, IMO isn’t really his fault. The opposition is too scattered and can’t rally around any issue. It isn’t healthy to have a single-party state, but this doesn’t take away from the good that Mandela did and the role model he played in stepping down after his term.

really weird siblings over here.>>>>

I think hes great, and has a great outlook on humanity and the world around him. If only there were more like him.

He is one of the people I admire the most in history. Mainly because of what he did after his release, and the way in which he tried to fight racism in his own country by means of reconciliation rather than revenge. Amazing figure.