Choose forgiveness: Richard Branson reflects on powerful lessons he learnt from Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu

Richard Branson has shared a message on forgiveness that has sparked wide reflection, drawing on the examples of Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Anthony Ray Hinton.

Taking to Instagram, the business magnate reflected on the personal cost of holding on to conflict.

“Yesterday I wrote about how life is too short to fall out with people,” Branson said, before pointing to Mandela as a guiding example.

“Nelson Mandela is the ultimate example here. After spending 27 years imprisoned, he forgave his captors and united his country.”

Branson also spoke about the influence of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whose work during South Africa’s transition from apartheid focused on healing rather than revenge.

“I’m also always inspired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who suffered such hardships and went on to lead the peace and reconciliation process in South Africa,” he wrote.

He recalled how people were encouraged to face their past directly, noting that communities came together to confront injustice, seek forgiveness and move forward together after apartheid.

Another story Branson shared was that of Anthony Ray Hinton, who spent three decades on death row in the United States for a crime he did not commit.

Branson highlighted the depth of injustice Hinton endured, saying: “No apology or compensation was made by the state and his mother even died whilst he was in jail.”

Branson recalled a moment that stayed with him after his son Sam asked Hinton how he was able to forgive those responsible for his imprisonment.

“My son Sam once asked him: ‘How do you forgive them for that?’,” Branson wrote.

Hinton’s answer captured the essence of forgiveness.

"He said: 'I didn’t forgive them for them, I forgave them for me. I just spent the last 30 years in prison, if I didn’t forgive them, I’d spend the next 30 years in prison too'.”

The post prompted strong reactions from followers.

Annie Murray commented: “So much wisdom here. Carrying resentment costs us far more than we realise.”

Lisa Lester added: “I was told forgiveness doesn’t mean it’s OK, it means to let go. It’s the best gift you can give yourself to move forward.”

South African commenter Silomo Ntombela reflected on the local impact of Mandela and Tutu.

“Nelson Mandela taught us a lot,” she wrote, noting that he even forgave the prosecutor who sought the death penalty against him.

She added that forgiveness remains one of the most important tools leaders can teach humanity.