Quotation by

Nelson Mandela

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

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Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Nelson Mandela is saying that feeling fear is natural, and being courageous means facing and overcoming that fear rather than never experiencing it. True bravery is shown by those who act despite their fear, not by those who are completely fearless.

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I know that if I'd had to go and take an exam for acting, I wouldn't have got anywhere. You don't take exams for acting, you take your courage.

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There can be a fundamental gulf of gracelessness in a human heart which neither our love nor our courage can bridge.