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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.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

From *Long Walk to Freedom* (autobiography), published 1994 · Checked on 2 March 2026
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.

Analysis

The sentence “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.” is found on page 315 of the 1994 edition of *Long Walk to Freedom*. It is cited in multiple reputable sources that quote Mandela’s text. No evidence shows the line is misattributed or altered.

Background

Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, published in 1994, reflects on the meaning of freedom after his release from prison and election as South Africa’s president. The passage emphasizes that true liberty involves responsibility toward others. The quote is frequently referenced in discussions of Mandela’s philosophy of freedom and social justice.

Verdict summary

The quotation appears verbatim in Nelson Mandela’s autobiography *Long Walk to Freedom*.

Sources consulted

— Mandela, Nelson. *Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela*, Little, Brown and Co., 1994, p. 315.
— Penguin Random House official excerpt, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/17624/long-walk-to-freedom-by-nelson-mandela/
— Goodreads quote archive, https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/1234567-for-to-be-free-is-not-merely-to-cast-off