Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest peacemakers and freedom fighters of the 20th century (some might say THE greatest): South African, Nelson Mandela.  

He said many true and memorable things about freedom. Here is one quote: "For 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."

There are some excellent biographies of Mandela. Here are some held by Hekman Library in order of publication date (newest to oldest):

• Nelson Mandela: the authorized biography, by Anthony Sampson (1999)
• Nelson Mandela: a biography, by Martin Meredith (1998)
• Higher Than Hope: the authorized biography of Nelson Mandela, by Fatima Meer (1990, 1st U.S. edition)

Autobiographies:

• Conversations With Myself (2010)
• Long Walk to Freedom: the autobiography of Nelson Mandela (1994)