I'd like to extend my condolences to

[abax]

the people of South Africa, specifically Gary and Dane, for the loss of
Mandiba. His passing is a loss to the whole world. Greatness is a rare
quality.

 

[Trithor]

Today is a very sad day for us all, not just friends and family or South Africa, but the whole world. He was truly a giant among men. Our whole country mourns his passing and holds its breath to see what his passing means for our country and its future.
Farewell Madiba, the father of our nation!

 

[JeanLux]

May he rest in peace Jean

 

[Secundino]

How sad.

 

[NYEric]

Yes, a modern day Gandhi!

 

[TyroneGenade]

Thanks for the thought Abax. Its been a disquieting day. I had little idea of the place in my heart he occupied until he was gone.

I don't think its fair to compare Gandhi to Mandela. Gandhi always chose the highroad, abhorring violence. What made Mandela great was that he took the low road into a career of blowing people up and killing them and then, in what can only be called a miracle (given that the nature of prison is to reduce men to animals) he chose the high road and set aside his feelings to try and build a nation.

 

[eaborne]

Great thoughts Tyrone.

 

[SlipperFan]

He was an amazing person. How anyone can live thought the kind of imprisonment he endured and come out the person he was is beyond my comprehension.

 

[KyushuCalanthe]

In the end hopefully humanity will come to see that violent solutions, regardless of the circumstances, never lead to good ends. He became single minded in his struggle that in the end was the only struggle any of us has in life - to live in peace within ourselves and to use that as an example to the world.

We need more people like him, so he will be missed on many levels, but at least he gets to rest finally.