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Famous Thinkers By 2013, the world has been fortunate enough to have a number of innovative thinkers who have made significant contributions to their communities and the world at large. Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are prime examples of thinkers who challenged societal norms and worked tirelessly to effect change in both mindset and behavior. The aim of this paper is to provide insight into the contributions made by these two individuals to society.
Examining the impact of personal, societal, and governmental influences on their creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Analyzing the obstacles they encountered and the innovative strategies they utilized to navigate their journey towards success, as well as the enduring effects of their creative mindset on society. According to Ruggiero (2009), "Thinking is an adventure for the creative."
Creative individuals are distinguished by their willingness to think outside the box and resist conformity, while also embracing unconventional ideas and approaching challenges with a sense of curiosity and a desire for self-improvement.
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Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo, South Africa on July 18, 1918.
Initially named Rolihlahla by his father, who was the chief advisor to Thembu king Jongintaba, he later became a ward of Jongintaba. Raised in a traditional African tribal setting, he was motivated by tales of his ancestors' struggle for liberation and aspired to join the cause. Upon completing high school, he chose to pursue higher education at University College of Fort Hare with the aim of obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Arts.
After being expelled from university for his involvement in a student protest, he pursued further education and obtained his BA at the University of South Africa.
Although he started studying for an LLB, he did not complete the program. Mandela's views on peaceful protests shifted in response to the increasing apartheid laws in the early 1960s, prompting him to participate in planning armed resistance. This change allowed him to avoid arrest by law enforcement for a period of time.
Arrested in 1962, he was originally given a five-year prison sentence which was later extended to life imprisonment during the Rivonia Trials in 1964. These experiences fueled his crusade against racism in South Africa. Despite being imprisoned, he obtained an LLB from the University of South Africa. Similarly, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s outlook was influenced by different events in his life, such as growing up in segregated America on January 15, 1929.
After completing his education at the age of approximately 15, he went on to study Sociology at Morehouse College. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Dr. King became a pastor and started spreading his beliefs within the African American community. Through his speeches and writings, he motivated others to join him in advancing his cause. Both Mandela and Dr. King played crucial roles in advocating for desegregation in their countries, as they were dissatisfied with the discrimination against people of color.
These people stood out for being proactive, unlike most individuals. Ruggiero (2009, Chapter 5) states that creative individuals display characteristics like open-mindedness, skepticism towards traditional beliefs, and a willingness to entertain unconventional ideas. Mandela joined the African National Congress in 1944 and founded the youth league.
He ascended in ranks in both organizations, which advocated for equal rights for various populations in South Africa. After spending 27 years incarcerated, he emerged as a symbol against the oppression by the white majority. Despite his long imprisonment, he became the emblem of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and around the world. Upon his release, he declared on The "Nelson Mandela Centre Of Memory" (2013) website that presently, most South Africans, regardless of race, acknowledge that apartheid is unsustainable.
Our own decisive mass action must bring an end to build peace and security, culminating in the establishment of democracy. The African National Congress has engaged in a mass campaign of defiance and other actions, with the goal of creating a democratic society where all individuals have equal opportunities to live together in harmony. The leader of the ANC has fought against both white and black domination, ultimately working towards the eradication of apartheid.
Nelson Mandela and Dr. King both used their influence and beliefs to achieve significant changes. Mandela's composure and intelligence led him to become South Africa's first black president, while Dr. King organized nonviolent protests such as bus boycotts and marches. Both leaders stayed true to their convictions, sparking a peaceful revolution.
Martin Luther King Jr. wrote the famous "I have a dream" speech, denouncing segregation and racism while expressing his determination to overcome them. His impactful words resonate through time (King, 2003), showcasing his persuasive skills and influential creativity. He was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's principle of non-violence, the respected leader of India.
Both Gandhi's non-violent protest that led to the British leaving India and Dr. King's tactics in the American Civil Rights Movement were inspired by Gandhi. Dr. King, blending Gandhi's principles with his own beliefs, urged individuals to oppose discrimination against people of color in America. Despite being miles apart, Mandela and Dr. King shared a common goal of societal equality, prompting a change in how society views certain issues.
Both men faced challenges such as adversity, punishment, and cruelty. Mandela spent over 25 years in jail and Martin Luther King was assassinated. Yet, their struggles led to the outlawing of segregation and paved the way for men of color to become presidents in the United States and South Africa. Despite progress, racial prejudices still persist in both nations, illustrating the enduring nature of cultural change.
Conclusion I personally believe that there were better alternatives that could have been pursued in Mandela's case. I think that the 27 years he spent in prison was an excessive punishment. Some suggest that Mandela could have secured his release earlier through negotiation, but he opted to stay imprisoned to make a statement, gaining respect from his colleagues and eventually becoming president. Although he stepped away from politics in 1999, Mandela continued to champion peace, human rights, and various social justice causes.
Even though King and the other man faced similar challenges, they did so in different environments. Both paid a price for equality, but King's efficient handling of the situation allowed his message to reach the world. Both men made significant contributions to the world, and their ideas remain relevant today.
Innovative Thinkers: Mandela and King's Impact. (2020, Sep 09). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/famous-thinkers-nelson-mandela-and-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-essay
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