Nelson Mandela

Born in the early 1900s in South Africa into a Xhosa? people. Was raised as though he were to become a tribal leader, like his father. Went through the traditional tribal ceremonies of coming of age, like circumcision, etc.

Then Apartheid struck. Mandela eventually became a lawyer, became active in the African National Congress, and eventually was part of the [Spear of the Nation]?, or MK, the terrorist/military arm of the ANC. His earlier passive resistance activities eventually gave way to the violence of MK because he felt non-violence wasn't getting the job done.

He was imprisoned by the state on a small island for at least 20 years. The ANC eventually decided to focus its struggle on a worldwide campaign to free him from captivity. Eventually this is exactly what happened as F.W. de Klerk did so.

His philosophy might be characterized as attempting to understand the human reasoning of his enemies, both as a young activist dealing with the various factions in the ANC, and as an older prisoner trying to deal with the guards and the government.

Mandela went on to become the first black president of South Africa, and retired after one term. He wrote an autobiography.

His ex-wife, Winnie Mandela was very controversial.