Commitment to nonviolence from "summary" of Long Walk to Freedom with Connections by Nelson Mandela
The principle of nonviolence was not simply a tactical strategy, but a fundamental belief that guided our actions in the struggle against apartheid. It was rooted in the belief that violence only begets more violence, and that true change could only come through peaceful means. This commitment was not always easy to uphold, especially in the face of the brutal repression we faced from the apartheid regime. Despite the many injustices and provocations we endured, we held fast to the principle of nonviolence, knowing that our cause was just and that our methods were morally justified. We understood that resorting to violence would only play into the hands of our oppressors, who sought to portray us as violent extremists. By remaining steadfast in our commitment to nonviolence, we were able to maintain the moral high ground and garner international support for our cause. Nonviolence was not merely a passive resistance, but an active force for change. It required discipline, courage, and a willingness to endure suffering without retaliation. It demanded that we confront our adversaries with dignity and respect, even in the face of their brutality. It was a test of our moral character and our commitment to justice. Our adherence to nonviolence was not without its critics, both within our own movement and from outside observers. Some argued that nonviolence was ineffective against a regime as ruthless as apartheid, while others accused us of being weak or naive. But we remained resolute in our belief that nonviolence was not only the right course of action, but the most effective one in the long run.- Our commitment to nonviolence proved to be a powerful force for change. It allowed us to mobilize millions of people in a peaceful struggle against oppression, and to ultimately overcome the apartheid regime without descending into a cycle of violence. Our example inspired others around the world to take up the mantle of nonviolent resistance in their own struggles for freedom and justice.
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