Rest in Peace, Good Sir

We humans lost one of the greatest men to walk the earth this past week. Nelson Mandela was one of a kind. His name is recognizable worldwide for many things. A few of these include: being imprisoned for 27 years, in which he obtained a law degree, he was the first black president of South Africa, he was a Nobel Prize recipient, and he was a proponent and a gamechanger for equality and the rights of minorities. This earth is only a better place for this man being here.

I want to cite a quote I read by Mr. Mandela:

“I have walked the 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.” Nelson Mandela (Born 1918) 

These words have so much truth in this life. Truly spoken my a man who has seen the greatest of triumphs and the deepest sorrows. He admits the missteps along the way, which is something a great man will always do. The metaphor of hills is so true. Accomplishing something, whatever it may be, makes you realize how much more there is to do, and to accomplish. Resting becomes very easy, although important, must not become what we do. I also like the part about the responsibility that comes with the freedom that these victories provide.

So, take a second today and think about the things that we have and don’t have to fight for, because men like Nelson Mandela, who spent a good portion of his life imprisoned, stood up for these rights, that we enjoy. Regardless of nation or creed, I think we all can agree, we truly lost a great one this time. Rest in peace, Good Sir.

Danny Lesslie

@dannylesslie