what separates you from the world’s greatest and most famous leaders

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what separates you from the world’s greatest and most famous leaders

Have you ever asked yourself what separates you from the world’s greatest and most famous leaders? While some people may appear destined for greatness, it is a long, difficult path full of many harsh lessons. 

It’s true to say we never really know ourselves or our potential until we are forced to fight for what we believe in. And that’s the same for many of those who have delivered the speeches that inspire us. Here are some of their stories:

Nelson Mandela
One of the most famous leaders of the modern era, Nelson Mandela’s rise to power was one of patience and determination in the face of adversity. For 27 years he was imprisoned and labelled a terrorist as he fought apartheid in South Africa, before going on to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

During his time in the notorious Robben Island prison, he recited his favourite poem, Invictus by William Ernest Henley. He read this to fellow inmates to remind them of the intestinal fortitude of man. Upon his release, Mandela helped build the new democratic South Africa.

Famous Quote: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.”

Winston Churchill
Churchill has been called the saviour of democracy after leading Britain and the Allied powers to victory in World War Two. He was born into wealth but worked as a writer before entering politics. It took him four decades to fulfil his ambition of becoming Prime Minister - with his country in its deepest crisis of modern times.

Churchill exemplified stoicism throughout the conflict with the Nazis, stirring the emotions in his countrymen with his rousing speeches. But showed a more understanding side as he worked alongside the USA and Russia, going on to establish post war peace.

Famous Quote: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.”

Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I is a perfect example of overcoming adversity to succeed. Declared illegitimate aged two following the murder of her mother Anne Boleyn, the protestant daughter of Henry VIII found herself imprisoned when her half-sister Mary claimed the crown.

But eventually, Elizabeth ascended to the throne, a woman in a man’s world, in power in a religiously divided nation. However, she defeated the Spanish Armada and brought stability to her country.

Famous Quote: “I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too.”

Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi led by example as he plaid a significant part in the independence of India, teaching of simplicity, peace, and non-violent protest. He led protests against the British colonial government and also spent parts of his life behind bars as he fought for his beliefs.

Famous Quote: “An eye for an eye only ends up making the world blind.”

Abraham Lincoln
Determination and unity best describe Abraham Lincoln’s legacy. The 16th president of the United States is renowned for his role in the American Civil War and his attempts to maintain national unity.

He signed the Emancipation Proclamation which helped end slavery. Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, but his work lives on in the USA.

Famous Quote: “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”