Michael Johnson

Open Letter: Taking the time to remember Nelson Mandela

In Seneca’s sixth letter to Lucilius, he writes that the behaviour of a teacher could instruct more than any moral lesson they taught, noting that Plato and Aristotle “derived more from Socrates’ character than from his words.’’ Encapsulated in Mandela Day, July 18, is the recognition of Mandela’s life, one that offered the same sort of example. The purpose of the day is twofold: to celebrate Mandela’s life, and to inspire us to try to emulate some of his best efforts. The day asks people to dedicate 67 minutes of their day to community service — the number being derived…

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