Nelson Mandela quotes
1918 – 2013 · 20th–21st century · lawyer, anti‑apartheid activist, statesman
About Nelson Mandela
Born in 1918 in Mvezo, Mandela was a lawyer and African National Congress activist who spent 27 years as a political prisoner before leading South Africa's peaceful transition to majority rule. He is known for promoting national reconciliation, political dignity, resilience and transformative leadership.
Works: Long Walk to Freedom (autobiography)
Quotes
“I never lose. Either I win or I learn.”
Source: no specific work is documented · Check the source
Disputed attributionWhat we know
- What is documented
- Contemporary fact‑checks find no reliable occurrence of this phrase in Mandela’s recorded speeches or writings.
- What remains uncertain
- Although widely credited to Mandela, the quote’s provenance is unverified; it should be treated as disputed or likely apocryphal.
The line captures a resilient outlook: when plans fail, you treat the setback as fuel for growth. It’s widely ascribed to Nelson Mandela but lacks a verifiable primary source—yet it remains popular as a leadership and perseverance motto.