Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela — to me not just the greatest statesman but the greatest man now living — embodies one of the greatest triumphs of the human spirit. He was persecuted, denounced as a traitor, narrowly escaped execution, and was confined for 27 years in prison — but never giving up hope, his courage never failing, his moral stature and his circle of supporters steadily grew. Even from prison he led the oppressed, and could befriend and educate his oppressors. No prisoner's cell could diminish Mandela; by the time of his release, his courage and magnanimity had become the greatest beacon of...