Nelson Mandela's cell

I watched a movie, 'Invictus' last month. The best part of the movie was the scene of a cell of Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa. I didn't know that he had stayed there for 27 years. That fact made me respect him that he did not give up his will for freedom and developing South Africa in educational and political aspects.

It is sometimes hard for me to wait or stand something just for a few months to achieve something. So, it seems almost impossible for me to stand for 27 years in this small cell with dreaming the same goal. He educated himself in the cell through books and bachelor's degree, and did not give up his dream for peace and equility.

Although I can do everything, and I am not tied up by anything, I sometimes feel like I have some barriers in front of me. I doubt about my future and some next plans that I'm longing for because of many reasons such as economic burden, relationships, and uncertainity about myself.

Maybe I might be the one who makes those barriers in this free world.

I found some good quotes from Madiba (honoraly title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan) and the movie, Invictus to encourage myself.

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triuph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

"It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership."

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate.

I am the captain of my soul.

- William Ernest Henley