Truth can be arrived at only through the untrammeled contest among differing opinions
Truth has great power; yet it is also extremely elusive
A South African novelist once compared “truth” to a powerful wrestler. No matter how hard its adversary, “falsehood,” may try to overwhelm it, truth refuses to yield. And even when falsehood thinks it has overpowered truth, truth will gather new strength and cast off falsehood.
Truth has great power; yet it is also extremely elusive. No single person, no body of opinion, no political doctrine, no religious doctrine can claim a monopoly on truth. Truth can be arrived at only through the untrammeled contest among differing opinions, in which as many points of view as possible are given a fair and equal hearing. It has therefore always been our contention that laws and mores that repress freedom of expression are a disservice to society. We would also insist that these are devices that are employed by falsehood.
by Nelson Mandela
(born July 18, 1918)
from In His Own Words(2004)
chapter – Free Press, 1992
image – Môsieur J. [version 3.0b]
January 10th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Indeed.
I would highly recommend seeing Clint Eastwood’s new movie: “Invictus”, chronicling the part former president Nelson Mandela played in SA’s 1995 rugby world cup win.
While Morgan Freeman’s accent doesn’t capture Madiba’s accurately, he does do an excellent job portraying his self-effacing nature.
The film also shows a lot of South African scenery, including the Robben Island prison where Mandela spent the majority of his sentence.
“Long Walk To Freedom” is also a book worth reading if you’re interested in Nelson Mandela as a political figure.
Thanks for the quote close to home, Elizabeth. It’s special to see someone quoted from my own shores (although, I sometimes forget that even J.R.R. Tolkien was born in plain old Bloemfontein in SA, which freaks my bean a bit!)
January 11th, 2010 at 6:44 am
I have never seen Morgan Freeman and not liked him – playing a role or in an interview.
And Mandela – there is something about him.
Both of those men feel like family. We probably have nothing in common and we’ve certainly never met. I hear them, I feel like family. That’s all. I don’t need to get all fan-crazy about it. Wherever it comes from or whatever it means, it’s a good feeling.