2003 Speech Quotes
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Source: 2003 Speech
Speaker: Nelson Mandela
"Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world."
Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world and Mindset Network is a powerful part of that world-changing arsenal.
Context
This line was spoken by Nelson Mandela in a speech in South Africa (July 16, 2003).
South Africa's former president, Nelson Mandela, uttered this famous line in a speech commemorating the launch of Mindset Network, a group working to improve education and health in South Africa. What could have become a no-big-deal presentation turned out to be one of the most quotable speeches from an infinitely quotable guy. It helps that Nelson Mandela was echoing ideas that are proven to be true—education is totally the key to a better future. Just ask your teachers.
Where you've heard it
This is the quote that sparked 1,000 classroom posters. Expect to hear it any time anyone is talking about the power of learning.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
The children are our future! Who could think encouraging kids to put some knowledge in their brains is pretentious? You're good when you let this pearl of wisdom fly.