A good read - Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom

I just finished reading the longest, but best book I've read in a long time. Nelson Mandela's Long Walk To Freedom. Reading it here in South Africa was especially apropos, because this man, along with others in the ANC has had such a hand in changing the recent history of this country. After reading the autobiography, I also seem to understand more of the daily news here, as many events that are reported on still refer to members of the ANC that went through the struggle to end apartheid with Mandela.

Nelson Mandela is a truly remarkable human being. Escaping from an arranged marriage in his late teens, his book details the twists and turns that his life of fighting for black's rights took in the time leading up to, during and immediately after his 27 year imprisonment. Keep in mind that he was jailed in his 40's, so some would argue that he'd already done enough for one lifetime. However, while in jail, he kept himself strong, alert and engaged with a combination of daily exercise, continued education and a network of contacts that kept him informed about the outside world.

Especially inspiring to me from this book are the following things:
1) His ability as a story teller: Not once during this highly political book did I think, "Oh gosh, I'll just skim the next couple of pages past all the political stuff." He managed to weave the complete story together in a way that had me turning pages like this was a Grisham novel.

2) His optimistic perspective: Spending 27 years in jail has got to be tough on the psyche, but somehow NM (at least in his book) always found the bright side. He kept himself alert and fighting for his rights throughout his whole time here. It paid off - conditions for him and his colleagues improved considerably by the time they were released. He also tried to see the best in his captors and frequently talked about the glimmers of humanity that they showed, rather than the racist SOB's that they were.

3) His diplomacy: NM never was silent about his perspective, but spoke his views in a way where even those who were against him would listen. More often than not, he got what he wanted.

4) His leadership skills: Especially in times of tension, he had an uncanny sense of when to let things blow over, to take passive action or to take full violent action. Not with out error, he usually realized when his ideas were wrong and learned from them. Seldom did he make the same mistake twice.

5) His listening skills: Just as many listened to his perspectives, NM listened politely to his opponents, hearing and trying to understand what they were trying to say. Very seldom did he crack under abusive, bullysome treatment. After they had spoken, NM was very adept at finding a win-win or middle ground on which all parties could agree.

6) His forgiveness: After 80+ years of apartheid in South Africa, he was able to forgive the whites here and try to work with them to achieve an end to apartheid. Even when publicly criticized by FW DeKlerk during the final negotiations, he'd speak his mind then try to continue negotiations without holding a grudge.

7) His humility: NM would usually state when he was wrong, learn from it and move on. He didn't seem to dwell on the fact or lose confidence in his decision making abilities when things didn't quite go the way he'd envisioned. He also freely admitted that his family life was sacrificed in choosing the life path that he did. It's a shame, because with all the above character traits, he'd also make a very good family man.

8) His network of contacts: Throughout the book he surrounded himself by very intelligent people of all races, and made alliances that would prove worthwhile in the ANC's struggle for freedom. This sometimes caused strife with organizations that wanted solely Black power for South Africa, but NM saw that this was everyone's country, and had alliances with Blacks, Indians, Coloreds, Whites, and communists.

Give it a read if you have a chance!

~S