Nelson Mandela – “Before You Hurt Another” (Speech)
Mandela stands calmly at the podium. His voice is steady, but carries the weight of a lifetime of struggle and reflection.
“There is a power in every one of us.
The power to build… or to break.
To lift someone up… or to bring them to their knees.
And too often, we reach for the power to hurt, when what the world truly needs—is healing.”
He looks out over the crowd, pausing gently.
“You see, it is easy to hurt someone.
A few words, a sharp look, a single decision… and damage is done.
But what is difficult—what is noble—is restraint.
To ask yourself: What pain must this person already carry for them to cause me mine?“
His voice deepens, full of conviction and compassion.
“When I was imprisoned for 27 years, I had every reason to hate. Every reason to hurt in return.
But I realized, to inflict pain because we are in pain—that is how the cycle continues.
That is how we remain prisoners, even without walls.”
A long, solemn pause. He steps closer to the edge of the platform.
“Before you choose to hurt another, ask yourself:
Will this action bring peace—or just a moment of power?
Will I regret this, once the anger fades?
Because once a heart is broken, an apology may not fix it.
And once a trust is shattered, it may never return.”
He softens, offering hope through his words.
“True strength is not found in vengeance, but in mercy.
In choosing to understand when it is hardest.
In walking away from the fire instead of feeding it.
We must not become what wounded us.”
He nods gently.
“So I say this to you: Be careful. Be wise.
The world is already hurting. Let us not add to its pain.
Let us be builders. Let us be healers. Let us be human.”
