The last Superhero

One would hope that each individual could take a look around and find inspiring role models close at hand. A spouse, parent, teacher, neighbour or friend. Look hard, they're probably there.

Looking further afield, and inspiring public figures seem to be disappearing. The sporting world in particular has shown itself to be a world where the greatest can turn into the absolute worst. Tiger Woods perhaps, Oscar Pistorious probably, and without a shadow of doubt Lance Armstrong. Public figures let everyone down, more so than just themselves.

As for politics, most people these days seem to start from the assumption that it is a dark art practiced by equally shady characters. The exception that massively proved the rule is Nelson Mandella.

Alas, Mandela couldn't live forever. If anyone could live forever, he'd be most people's pick. This wouldn't solely be on the basis of merit, but also for the fact that the world still needs a Mandella. 

The basic chronology tells us he was born in 1918, convicted on trumped up treason charges in 1964, released in 1990, and President of South Africa 1994-1999. 

Those are the elementary historical facts. The example he set is what set him apart. In describing all of that, it is a hurculean task not to be subjective. In this case however, all of the superlatives that could be used are mere adjectives which would come across as hagiography when applied to anyone else. The famous speech in court at the end of his trial reads like a summary manifesto of what every nation's society should be, topped off by the words "it is an ideal...for which I am prepared to die." In prison he stood up to oppression and for principle from day 1. 

When it came to forgiveness he led from the front. To his former prosecutor, whom Mandella visited after his release he said,  "you're looking very well". In his words, this approach was one of dominance of the brain over the heart. It sounds so obvious and yet how many of us have not heeded the lesson not to make emotional decisions? "I couldn't do that" in the hypothetical is contradicted by what one human being did after going through far worse than most of us ever will. 

The Truth and Reconciliation commission, led by the equally inspiring Archbishop Desmond Tutu, put this all into practice on a national scale. 

Ever the master of the grand gesture, his support for South Africa's rugby team during the World Cup, and wearing Springbok jersey did much to calm white minority jitters and make then feel included in the new country.

What will South Africa do without him?Many will feel lost without him, especially given the current politicians on the national scene. All they can do is try (harder) to emulate his example. The world, however, has lost its ultimate moral authority and conscience, and only his memory will remain to inspire a legacy. 

A legacy, in one sense, is what others do with it. It seems somewhat foolish to just wait for the next inspiring leader, though many are needed in many places.

So what can the individual do, to make some small impact?

In practical terms, in the everyday, how does and how can the example make a difference? Exercising forgiveness. Positive drive. Clarity of thought. Objectivity. Let's all try more of this, though as "normal people" there's a limit to what change we can bring about. Once upon a time, however, Nelson Mandella was also just an individual. He became the leader of a moral army, and in some ways is irreplaceable. Still, to the benefit of humanity and despite all of its ills, he leaves the world in a very much better state because of all he did and the example he set.