'Mandela's Way' by Richard Stengel explores the life and philosophies of Nelson Mandela, offering an intimate portrait of the man behind the legend. Through a series of reflections and personal anecdotes, Stengel captures Mandela's unwavering commitment to justice, forgiveness, and resilience. The book reveals lesser-known stories that highlight Mandela's extraordinary ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Readers are invited to ponder the lessons of leadership and humanity that Mandela embodied. Delve into this compelling narrative and discover how Mandela's journey can inspire your own.
By Richard Stengel
Published: 2018
"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."
A compact, profoundly inspiring book that captures the spirit of Nelson Mandela, distilling the South African leader’s wisdom into 15 vital life lessons We long for heroes and have too few. Nelson Mandela, who died in 2013 at the age of ninety-five, is the closest thing the world has to a secular saint. He liberated a country from a system of violent prejudice and helped unite oppressor and oppressed in a way that had never been done before. Now Richard Stengel, the editor of Time magazine, has distilled countless hours of intimate conversation with Mandela into fifteen essential life lessons. For nearly three years, including the critical period when Mandela moved South Africa toward the first democratic elections in its history, Stengel collaborated with Mandela on his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, and traveled with him everywhere. Eating with him, watching him campaign, hearing him think out loud, Stengel came to know all the different sides of this complex man and became a cherished friend and colleague. In Mandela’s Way, Stengel recounts the moments in which “the grandfather of South Africa” was tested and shares the wisdom he learned: why courage is more than the absence of fear, why we should keep our rivals close, why the answer is not always either/or but often “both,” how important it is for each of us to find something away from the world that gives us pleasure and satisfaction—our own garden. Woven into these life lessons are remarkable stories—of Mandela’s childhood as the protégé of a tribal king, of his early days as a freedom fighter, of the twenty-seven-year imprisonment that could not break him, and of his fulfilling remarriage at the age of eighty. This uplifting book captures the spirit of this extraordinary man—warrior, martyr, husband, statesman, and moral leader—and spurs us to look within ourselves, reconsider the things we take for granted, and contemplate the legacy we’ll leave behind.
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“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Mandela's Way
By Richard Stengel
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Richard Stengel is an accomplished American author, journalist, and editor, best known for his role as the managing editor of Time magazine from 2006 to 2013. He has authored notable works such as 'Mandela's Way: Lessons on Life, Love, and Courage' and 'The Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President.' Stengel's writing style is characterized by its engaging narrative, meticulous research, and profound insights into historical and contemporary issues. His work often reflects a deep understanding of the human experience and the complexities of leadership.
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