To the Point
Nelson Mandela: The Contradictions of a Secular Saint
We remember the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, who died yesterday at age 95. South Africa's first black president spent 27 years in prison as a suspected "terrorist."
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenWe remember Nelson Mandela, who died yesterday at age 95. South Africa's first black president, spent 27 years in prison as a suspected "terrorist." He's remembered as the father-figure who liberated a black majority from oppressive white rule and became a champion of racial reconciliation. But, the history is more complicated than that. We hear different opinions about the man and his legacy. Also, insomnia — from sleeping pills to talk therapy, there's new hope for a disorder afflicting more than half of all Americans.
Banner image; South Africa's President Nelson Mandela raises his hands to quiet the crowd during a prolonged standing ovation at specially convened Harvard University ceremonies honoring him September 18, 1998 in Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Photo: Reuters
In this episode
2 storiesSouth Africans Mourn the Death, Celebrate the Life of Nelson Mandela
Since he died yesterday at the age of 95, much of the world has been mourning Nelson Mandela , South Africa's first black president. Despite 27 years of brutal imprisonment as a suspected "terrorist," he is remembered as the father-figure who liberated a black majority from oppressive white rule and became a champion of racial reconciliation.
Read the story25 minInsomnia, Sleeping Pills and Evolution
If you suffer from insomnia, you are hardly alone. More than half of Americans between 13 and 64 have trouble falling to sleep every night. New drugs are being developed, as well as alternatives to medication. Is insomnia a natural human condition or a consequence of modern society? We talk to students of sleeplessness.
Read the story27 min
