The bravest thing I ever did was leave there. The next bravest thing I did was come back, to make myself heard.

Aspen Matis
About This Quote

In this quote, Nelson Mandela recalls a time when he was in prison for 27 years. In the wake of his incarceration, he spent much time thinking about how his trials had made him stronger. He recalled a time when he was too afraid to leave his house…too frightened to venture outside. But after being imprisoned, he realized that this fear had been a gift.

By refusing to leave the house, he had been able to free himself from a life of slavery. After being freed from prison, he knew that he did not have to be afraid anymore. So, although it was difficult at first, Mandela came back and made himself heard.

Source: Girl In The Woods: A Memoir

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