The news came yesterday: Nelson Mandela has departed forever from this world. However, his life, his actions, his legacy will live forever. This is the life of a man who against all odds transformed not only himself but a whole nation and the entire world. He spent 27 years in prison for opposing the execrable Apartheid regime of South Africa and once freed, in 1990, instead of claiming revenge or being bitter, he stood tall and instead of retribution he asked for reconciliation. Reconciliation between those oppressed and their persecutors.  He said “"As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison" and that’s because he did not give in to resentment since, as he put it, “resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies." The publisher of this book, which came out 7 years ago, calls it “one of the most lavishly illustrated and comprehensive tributes to Nelson Mandela’s life and work ever produced” and whether that is true, given the fact that a myriad of books have been, and will be, written about him, the important thing is that this is great starting point to learn about Mandela. Add to that the fact that his closest comrades from Robben Island prison, Mac Maharaj and Ahmed Kathrada, are the book editors. The more you read and learn about Mandela the more you understand why he is revered all over the world. The result is sheer inspiration.

Other two pearls of wisdom from Mandela. On freedom: "To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." And on education, one of our core beliefs: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Mandela : the authorized portrait. by Mac Maharaj (editor) , Ahmad Kathrada (editor) , Archbishop Desmond Tutu (introduction) , Bill Clinton (foreword). Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2006.