Son, father, prisoner, peacekeeper, leader and hero – Nelson Mandela. As I think about the many roles he has taken throughout his life, I think of what a truly amazing, gifted and humble spirit he was; and whilst it saddens me that we must now bid farewell to one of the most incredible minds of our time, I am reassured by the outpour I have seen from the world that he will live on in the hearts of millions for generations to come.
It is with sheer irony that within the pages of my upcoming book '
I took some time to reflect on what kind of leader he had been in his lifetime - one of the most admired in the world.
I am convinced he has a beautiful and balanced brain.
A brain that has allowed him to adapt to unexpected circumstances and to maintain serenity in moments of distress and chaos.
A brain that has probably enjoyed more optimistic than pessimistic thoughts, and that has remained focused on his main purpose despite all the obstacles along the way.
Mandela came out of prison speaking about forgiveness and reconciliation. He was able to manage his mind and keep it focused on how to help South Africa get out of the apartheid system of racial segregation.
I only wish brain imaging technology had been available at the time of Mandela’s imprisonment and subsequent release. We may then have had the opportunity to learn and understand what happened to this unique brain of his.
As I write, an interview on television depicts a 12-year-old South African boy who talks passionately about “Madiba” (Mandela’s nickname in his native tribe’s language), describing what he thinks of him.
"He is a great leader," the boy said
"He cares about people and I love him.”
To his family, friends, colleagues, country and the world – my thoughts and condolences are with you as together we mourn the passing of a truly great man.
R.I.P. Nelson Mandela (1918 – 2013).