Mandela had been imprisoned and maltreated for 27 years. Later, at his inauguration of President, he invited three guards who had abused him to attend. When he stood up and greeted them with respect, everyone at present and even the whole world became silent. He said, “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”