Summary of the Speech:

- Mandela saw the trial as a transformative opportunity that offered him visibility and a hearing, a space from which to spread stories of such significance and consequence

- He admitted the truth of some of the charges made against him

- He focused on the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, for social equality, and political rights for all South Africans

- He was sentenced to life imprisonment, escaped the death penalty.



Some Important Parts of the Speech:

Some of the things so far told to the Court are true and some are untrue. I do not, however, deny that I planned sabotage. I did not plan it in a spirit of recklessness鲁莽, nor because I have any love for violence.



- Deny 否认/不允许

Neil denies breaking the window.

尼尔不承认是他打破了窗户



Her request for time off work was denied.

她的休假请求未获得批准



- Sabotage (爲阻止敌人或对手成功而)毁坏

The angry workers were responsible for the sabotage of the machines.

She sabotaged his plan.



During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people… I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal 理想 which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.



- Dedicate 奉献，献出（全部精力、时间等）

He has dedicated his life to scientific research.

他把自己的一生都奉献给科学研究工作