Kotarski: What impact has Nelson Mandela had on your life?

Nelson Mandela was an inspiration for me from the time when I first learned about his imprisonment as a little boy in Poland. It was through his case that I learned about the morally repugnant realities of colonialism and apartheid, which led me to reflect more seriously on the societies I have lived in.

I am sad about Mandela’s passing because it highlights just how unlikely it seems that someone with his views could be elected in one of today’s democracies.

Justice, true equality, standing up for the poor and oppressed – none of these help to raise campaign funds in 2013, or get think-tank applause for “serious” candidates or get much mainstream media attention.