“It is what we make out of what we have…”

• How did Mandela’s childhood and education impact his political philosophy?

Nelson Mandela’s youth is not exactly what one would expect of a Presidential leader.  Dirt floors, thatched huts, and country life led a childhood with little privilege and dispensation.  Fortunately, Mandela was the son of a Chief, which offered more opportunity than most growing up in the Mvezo Village.  Among the few opportunities he was granted, Mandela was provided with an education. His educational pursuits, life in the Mvezo Village, and membership of the Xhosa nation all have led Mandela to the political philosophy he abided by throughout his time as a Freedom Fighter and a political figure.

Mandela’s British education played a large role in how he understood African civilization and concepts early on.  Mandela states,

“The education I received was a British education, in which British ideas, British culture, British institutions, were automatically assumed to be superior.  There was no such thing as African culture.”

Loss of African culture for Nelson Mandela proved to be a driving force behind his political philosophy.  To encourage the culture of South Africa and a coming together of its people and tribes, Mandela promoted fairness, anti-apartheid, and justice throughout the country.

Growing up, Mandela was constantly fighting repression throughout school, tribes, and the Afrikaner.  Nelson Mandela used his political knowledge and courage to stand up for what he believed in.  This insistence for justice is what shaped his political philosophy against segregation and for African communalism.

Nelson Mandela did not lead a simple life – from childhood, to 27 years in prison, to a successful presidency; Mandela worked hard throughout his accomplishments and defeats.  It is the perseverance, hard work, and courage of Nelson Mandela that framed one of the most inspiring political philosophies to date.  As Mr. Mandela says…

“It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”