I walk around my neighborhood every day, and like discovering Little Free Libraries. These little nooks and crannies are packed with books donated by any passerby, and it’s always a surprise what you’ll find!
I picked up a book called “The Best of Personal Excellence (Volume 2)” edited by Ken Shelton. It’s anthology of 2-page excerpts from well-known figures, entrepreneurs and life coaches. The cover design and font looks a bit dated, and was published in 1999. But on the top of the contributing authors list was “Nelson Mandela”, so I was intrigued. I know little about this great man, and the little I know is mainly through Trevor Noah — not exactly the most professional source, but a valid one nonetheless.
The Best of Personal Excellence (Magazine of Life Enrichment) (Volume 2)
There are about 20 authors listed on the cover. Nelson Mandela appears first, but his excerpt is embedded later. I didn’t look up what page and let it come as a surprise. Lo and behold, when it appeared, it certainly delivered!
“During those long and lonely years, my hunger for the freedom of my own people became a hunger for the freedom of all people.
The oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred; he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.”
(This excerpt, from “The Best of Personal Excellence” volume 2, is originally from Mandela’s book Long Walk to Freedom.)
When I hold a grudge against someone, I have a hard time focusing or sleeping well because the negative thoughts and feelings eat me up. I want to forgive sincerely, so I harbor this grudge longer. This often leads to extended suffering, however. The oppressor is shackled too, in a different way than the oppressed but still severely.
Though hard, I am learning how important it is to forgive more easily. This liberates both the oppressor and the oppressed.
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