Sunday, September 25, 2011

The Kindness Within

During Nelson Mandela’s 19 years imprisoned on Robben Island, one particular commanding officer was the most brutal of them all:

“A few days before Badenhorst’s departure, I was called to the main office. General Steyn was visiting the island and wanted to know if we had any complaints. Badenhorst was there as I went through a list of demands. When I had finished, Badenhorst spoke to me directly.

He told me he would be leaving the island and added: ‘I just want to wish you people good luck’. I do not know if I looked dumbfounded, but I was amazed. He spoke these words like a human being and showed a side of himself we had never seen before. I thanked him for his good wishes and wished him luck in his endeavours.

I thought about this moment for a long time afterwards. Badenhorst had perhaps been the most callous and barbaric commanding officer we had had on Robben Island. But that day in the office, he had revealed that that there was another side to his nature, a side that had been obscured but still existed.

It was a useful reminder that all men, even the most seemingly cold-blooded, have a core of decency and that, if their hearts are touched, they are capable of changing. Ultimately, Badenhorst was not evil; his inhumanity had been foisted upon him by an inhuman system. He behaved like a brute because he was rewarded for brutish behaviour.”

(Source: Nelson Mandela, “Long Walk To Fredom”)

4 comments:

Tiger said...

I know this.
I know because I have met certain people who felt they had to project the "I'm a mean bastard" image because they thought that was the way to go.
Later, when they were ostracised outcasts, they showed their real nature, which was actually surprisingly kind and good-hearted.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Tiger! This excerpt and your comment has greatly encouraged me to believe that there IS still kindness and goodness in man.

Thanks for sharing your faith in people in such an inspiring manner. Take care and have a lovely weekend.

God bless you and yours always!

Cheers

ROYAL JESTER said...

My Ustaz told me even in the blackest of hearts there is a dot of white/purity. Make the white dot bigger until it covers the black heart.

Unknown said...

Dear Royal Jester

Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful nugget of wisdom!

Lovely to hear from you again! Please keep in touch!

Salam