Nelson Mandela
1918-2013
The Philosopher/King of the second half of the 20th Century.
One of the three finest human beings who lived in our times, setting an example of what a human being can be. {The other two were Gandhi and Martin L. King.}
Four of the five living U.S. Presidents will be present at his funeral to mourn. He was honored in life*; and he will be honored as long as human records endure
*)For details, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_aw ... on_Mandela
Though we are saddened by his death
let us celebrate his life; learn from it. Learn how the suffering of one man in jail can be a stronger force than an entire oppressive government (the apartheid government of the Boers.) 
And let us understand why. Gandhi called it 'soul force' or satyagraha. It works. Nonviolence works. This man was not assassinated: which shows it doesn't always end that way when greatness comes along.