Mandela’s Way is a distillation of countless hours of conversation between Rick Stengel and Nelson Mandela's  into what Stengel sees as fifteen core truths of Mandela’s life - truths we would all be wise to live by. Each truth is expanded upon and brought to life with examples of its application in Mandela’s own life.

They are:

1. Courage is not the absence of fear.
2. Be measured.
3. Lead from the front.
4. Look the part.
5. Lead from the back.
6. See the good in others.
7. Keep your rivals close.
8. Have a core principle.
9. Know when to say no.
10. Know your enemy.
11. It’s always both.
12. Love makes the difference.
13. It’s a long game.
14. Quitting is leading too.
15. Find your own garden.

Tribute to Nelson Mandela and Mandela's Way:

“Nelson Mandela has walked a long road, and Richard Stengel’s artful distillation of the lessons learned along the way is a gift. Through anecdotes both heartwarming and heartbreaking, this uplifting, inspiring volume makes Mandela’s hard-won wisdom accessible to anyone who wants to play a part in making the world a better place.”
—Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea

“MANDELA’S WAY takes us into the inner life of one of the most of important heroes of the century. There are lessons here that could radically change the way you live your life.”
—Deepak Chopra

“MANDELA’S WAY is a timely and welcome reminder of this great man’s political genius, personal integrity, and peerless instinct for survival and triumph. Every world leader should keep MANDELA’S WAY within easy reach.”
—Tom Brokaw