Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes

Most popular Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes

I have a dream . . . - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I have a dream . . .
— Martin Luther King Jr.
All labor has dignity. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
All labor has dignity.

work

A man can't ride your back unless it's bent. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
A man can't ride your back unless it's bent.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

relationships self-esteem

The time is always right to do what is right. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The time is always right to do what is right.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

inspirational morals

A riot is at bottom the language of the unheard. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
A riot is at bottom the language of the unheard.
Nothing pains some people more than having to think. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Nothing pains some people more than having to think.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

thinking

We are not makers of history. We are made by history. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
We are not makers of history. We are made by history.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

history

Labor cannot stand still long or it will slip backward. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Labor cannot stand still long or it will slip backward.

organized labor

Justice is love correcting that which revolts against love. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Justice is love correcting that which revolts against love.

justice civil rights movement

The moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

justice

I want to be the white man's brother, not his brother-in-law. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I want to be the white man's brother, not his brother-in-law.
— Martin Luther King Jr. New York Journal-American, September 1962

race civil rights movement

That old law about "an eye for an eye" leaves everybody blind. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
That old law about "an eye for an eye" leaves everybody blind.

justice revenge

There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love.

love civil rights movement

The laws are not to change the heart but to restrain the heartless. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The laws are not to change the heart but to restrain the heartless.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

law

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

hope

The arm of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The arm of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

inspirational iconic morals

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
— Martin Luther King Jr. Speech in St. Louis, March 1964

race civil rights movement unity

We must constantly build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
We must constantly build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.

fear courage

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

principles apathy

In order to love your enemies, you must begin by analyzing [ your ] self. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
In order to love your enemies, you must begin by analyzing [ your ] self.

enemies

Our problem is not to be rid of fear but rather to harness and master it. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Our problem is not to be rid of fear but rather to harness and master it.

fear

We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

hope

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

faith

You see, no labor is really menial unless you're not getting adequate wages. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
You see, no labor is really menial unless you're not getting adequate wages.

work organized labor

True sympathy is the personal concern which demands the giving of one's soul. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
True sympathy is the personal concern which demands the giving of one's soul.

sympathy Giving

Man is man because he is free to operate within the framework of his destiny. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Man is man because he is free to operate within the framework of his destiny.
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others? - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?
— Martin Luther King Jr.

purpose of life service

We, the Negro people and labor ... inevitably will sow the seeds of liberalism. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
We, the Negro people and labor ... inevitably will sow the seeds of liberalism.

liberalism

Be a sinner and sin strongly, but more strongly have faith and rejoice in Christ. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Be a sinner and sin strongly, but more strongly have faith and rejoice in Christ.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

sin Jesus faith

Noncooperation with evil is just as much a moral duty as is cooperation with good. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Noncooperation with evil is just as much a moral duty as is cooperation with good.

civil rights movement

Standing beside love is always justice, and we are only using the tools of justice. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Standing beside love is always justice, and we are only using the tools of justice.

justice civil rights movement

Whatever may be the customs and laws of a country, the women of it decide the morals. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Whatever may be the customs and laws of a country, the women of it decide the morals.
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity.

hate

Ultimately a genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Ultimately a genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.

leadership

The oppressor never voluntarily gives freedom to the oppressed. You have to work for it. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The oppressor never voluntarily gives freedom to the oppressed. You have to work for it.

freedom civil rights movement

Segregation is the offspring of an illicit intercourse between injustice and immorality. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Segregation is the offspring of an illicit intercourse between injustice and immorality.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

African-Americans civil rights movement

Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

sincerity ignorance stupidity

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

freedom

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

apathy

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

civil rights movement conscience sincerity ignorance stupidity

That within the best of us, there is some evil, and within the worst of us, there is some good. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
That within the best of us, there is some evil, and within the worst of us, there is some good.

hopeful inspirational positive good and evil

I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live.

purpose of life

Love is creative, understanding goodwill for all men. It is the refusal to defeat any individual. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Love is creative, understanding goodwill for all men. It is the refusal to defeat any individual.

love brotherhood of man

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

faith

Every crisis has both its dangers and its opportunities.  Each can spell either salvation or doom. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Every crisis has both its dangers and its opportunities.  Each can spell either salvation or doom.

crisis

We must use time creatively - and forever realize that the time is always hope to do great things. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
We must use time creatively - and forever realize that the time is always hope to do great things.
— Martin Luther King Jr.
The ultimate solution to the race problem lies in the willingness of men to obey the unenforceable. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The ultimate solution to the race problem lies in the willingness of men to obey the unenforceable.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

race civil rights

There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

marriage

Three hundred years of humiliation, abuse and deprivation cannot be expected to find voice in a whisper. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Three hundred years of humiliation, abuse and deprivation cannot be expected to find voice in a whisper.

African-Americans civil rights movement

All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.

progress

We must combine the toughness of the serpent and the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
We must combine the toughness of the serpent and the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart.
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Reason, devoid of the purifying power of faith, can never free itself from distortions and rationalizations. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Reason, devoid of the purifying power of faith, can never free itself from distortions and rationalizations.

faith reason

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

love positive hate

The past is prophetic in that it asserts loudly that wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The past is prophetic in that it asserts loudly that wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.

war

The ultimate tragedy of Birmingham was not the brutality of the bad people, but the silence of the good people. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The ultimate tragedy of Birmingham was not the brutality of the bad people, but the silence of the good people.

African-Americans civil rights movement good and evil

My study of Gandhi convinced me that true pacifism is not nonresistance to evil, but nonviolent resistance to evil. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
My study of Gandhi convinced me that true pacifism is not nonresistance to evil, but nonviolent resistance to evil.

gandhi nonviolence

It is a dark day indeed when men cannot work to implement the ideal of brotherhood without being labeled communist. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
It is a dark day indeed when men cannot work to implement the ideal of brotherhood without being labeled communist.

communism

We, too, realize that when human values are subordinated to blind economic forces, human beings can become human scrap. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
We, too, realize that when human values are subordinated to blind economic forces, human beings can become human scrap.

capitalism economics

The Negro must love the white man, because the white man needs his love to remove his tensions, insecurities, and fears. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The Negro must love the white man, because the white man needs his love to remove his tensions, insecurities, and fears.

African-Americans racism civil rights movement race relations

I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

power

There are three major social evils ... the evil of war, the evil of economic injustice, and the evil of racial injustice. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
There are three major social evils ... the evil of war, the evil of economic injustice, and the evil of racial injustice.

civil rights movement society

Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.

understanding

Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it.  Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it.  Hatred darkens life; love illumines it. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it.  Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it.  Hatred darkens life; love illumines it.

love and hate

The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community, while the aftermath of violence is tragic bitterness. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community, while the aftermath of violence is tragic bitterness.

civil rights movement nonviolence violence

But we must remember that it's possible to affirm the existence of God with your lips and deny his existence with your life. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
But we must remember that it's possible to affirm the existence of God with your lips and deny his existence with your life.

God

A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

civilization education

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.
— Martin Luther King Jr.
A sixth basic fact about nonviolent resistance is that it is based on the conviction that the universe is on the side of justice. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
A sixth basic fact about nonviolent resistance is that it is based on the conviction that the universe is on the side of justice.

civil rights movement nonviolence

The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace, and brotherhood. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace, and brotherhood.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

rebels

Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge which is power. Religion gives man wisdom which is control. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge which is power. Religion gives man wisdom which is control.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

science & religion

A social movement that only moves people is merely a revolt. A movement that changes both people and institutions is a revolution. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
A social movement that only moves people is merely a revolt. A movement that changes both people and institutions is a revolution.

change the world African-Americans civil rights movement revolution

Freedom only comes through persistent revolt, through persistent agitation, through persistently rising up against the system of evil. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Freedom only comes through persistent revolt, through persistent agitation, through persistently rising up against the system of evil.

freedom civil rights movement

No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

justice

The sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

civil rights movement African-Americans iconic equality

All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

faith

If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

motivational moving forward

Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

law

The great problem facing modern man is that the means by which we live (Help him God) have outdistanced the spiritual ends for which we live. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The great problem facing modern man is that the means by which we live (Help him God) have outdistanced the spiritual ends for which we live.

spiritual the human condition

A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.

spiritual America military

The vast majority of Negroes in our country are still perishing on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The vast majority of Negroes in our country are still perishing on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity.

African-Americans racial inequality

I never intend to become adjusted to the madness of militarism and the self-defeating method of physical violence. I call upon you to be maladjusted. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I never intend to become adjusted to the madness of militarism and the self-defeating method of physical violence. I call upon you to be maladjusted.

violence

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

principles character

Constructive ends can never give absolute moral justification to destructive means, because in the final analysis the end is preexistent in the means. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Constructive ends can never give absolute moral justification to destructive means, because in the final analysis the end is preexistent in the means.
A second basic fact that characterizes nonviolence is that it does not seek to defeat or humiliate the opponent, but to win his friendship and understanding. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
A second basic fact that characterizes nonviolence is that it does not seek to defeat or humiliate the opponent, but to win his friendship and understanding.

civil rights movement nonviolence

Never succumb to the temptation of becoming bitter. As you press for justice, be sure to move with dignity and discipline, using only the instruments of love. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Never succumb to the temptation of becoming bitter. As you press for justice, be sure to move with dignity and discipline, using only the instruments of love.
— Martin Luther King Jr.
We have genuflected before the god of science only to find that it has given us the atomic bomb, producing fears and anxieties that science can never mitigate. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
We have genuflected before the god of science only to find that it has given us the atomic bomb, producing fears and anxieties that science can never mitigate.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

nuclear

The two most dynamic and cohesive liberal forces in the country are the labor movement and the Negro freedom movement. Together we can be architects of democracy. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The two most dynamic and cohesive liberal forces in the country are the labor movement and the Negro freedom movement. Together we can be architects of democracy.

civil rights movement organized labor

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

good and evil

The Kingdom of God is neither the thesis of individual enterprise nor the antithesis of collective enterprise, but a synthesis which reconciles the truths of both. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The Kingdom of God is neither the thesis of individual enterprise nor the antithesis of collective enterprise, but a synthesis which reconciles the truths of both.

capitalism socialism

Discover the element of good in your enemy. And as you seek to hate him, find the center of goodness and place your attention there and you will take a new attitude. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Discover the element of good in your enemy. And as you seek to hate him, find the center of goodness and place your attention there and you will take a new attitude.

positive enemies

The means by which we live have outdistanced the ends for which we live. Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The means by which we live have outdistanced the ends for which we live. Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.

the human condition civil rights movement

Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon.  It is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it.  It is a sword that heals. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon.  It is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it.  It is a sword that heals.

nonviolence

Success, recognition, and conformity are the bywords of the modern world where everyone seems to crave the anesthetizing security of being identified with the majority. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Success, recognition, and conformity are the bywords of the modern world where everyone seems to crave the anesthetizing security of being identified with the majority.
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Even in the inevitable moments when all seems hopeless, men know that without hope they cannot really live, and in agonizing desperation they cry for the bread of hope. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Even in the inevitable moments when all seems hopeless, men know that without hope they cannot really live, and in agonizing desperation they cry for the bread of hope.

hope hopelessness

True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it is not haphazard and superficial. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it is not haphazard and superficial. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.

civil rights movement society compassion

A fourth point that characterizes nonviolent resistance is a willingness to accept suffering without retaliation, to accept blows from the opponent without striking back. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
A fourth point that characterizes nonviolent resistance is a willingness to accept suffering without retaliation, to accept blows from the opponent without striking back.

civil rights movement nonviolence

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.
— Martin Luther King Jr. Speech at civil-rights march in Washington, D.C., August 1963

African-Americans race civil rights movement iconic

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.". - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.".
— Martin Luther King Jr.

civil rights movement equality iconic

When I am angry I can write, pray, and preach well, for then my whole temperament is quickened, my understanding sharpened, and all mundane vexations and temptations depart. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
When I am angry I can write, pray, and preach well, for then my whole temperament is quickened, my understanding sharpened, and all mundane vexations and temptations depart.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

anger

I've been to the mountaintop and I've seen the promised land ... I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I've been to the mountaintop and I've seen the promised land ... I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

inspirational civil rights movement

We've got to revolt in such a way that after revolt is over we can live with people as their brothers and their sisters. Our aim must never be to defeat them or humiliate them. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
We've got to revolt in such a way that after revolt is over we can live with people as their brothers and their sisters. Our aim must never be to defeat them or humiliate them.

civil rights movement revolt

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

African-Americans race civil rights movement

Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

justice law

The real problem is that through our scientific genius we've made of the world a neighborhood, but through our moral and spiritual genius we've failed to make of it a brotherhood. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The real problem is that through our scientific genius we've made of the world a neighborhood, but through our moral and spiritual genius we've failed to make of it a brotherhood.

brotherhood of man

If America does not use her vast resources of wealth to end poverty and make it possible for all of God's children to have the basic necessities of life, she, too, will go to hell. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
If America does not use her vast resources of wealth to end poverty and make it possible for all of God's children to have the basic necessities of life, she, too, will go to hell.

capitalism America inequality

When he [the African-American] seeks opportunity, he is told, in effect, to lift himself by his own bootstraps, advice which does not take into account the fact that he is barefoot. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
When he [the African-American] seeks opportunity, he is told, in effect, to lift himself by his own bootstraps, advice which does not take into account the fact that he is barefoot.

African-Americans civil rights movement racial inequality

History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.

equality injustice America apathy civil rights

Courage and cowardice are antithetical.  Courage is an inner resolution to go forward in spite of obstacles and frightening situations; cowardice is a submissive surrender to circumstance. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Courage and cowardice are antithetical.  Courage is an inner resolution to go forward in spite of obstacles and frightening situations; cowardice is a submissive surrender to circumstance.

cowardice courage and cowardice courage

The Negro turned his back on force not only because he knew he could not win his freedom through physical force but also because he believed that through physical force he could lose his soul. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The Negro turned his back on force not only because he knew he could not win his freedom through physical force but also because he believed that through physical force he could lose his soul.

African-Americans civil rights movement nonviolence

When evil men plot, good men must plan. When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind. When evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories of love. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
When evil men plot, good men must plan. When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind. When evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories of love.
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.

justice brotherhood of man civil rights movement iconic injustice

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable ... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable ... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

progress

Agape does not begin by discriminating between worthy and unworthy people, or any qualities people possess. It begins by ... Therefore, agape makes no distinction between friends and enemy; it is directed toward both. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Agape does not begin by discriminating between worthy and unworthy people, or any qualities people possess. It begins by ... Therefore, agape makes no distinction between friends and enemy; it is directed toward both.
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Both a practical and a moral answer to the Negro's cry for justice, nonviolent direct action proved that it could win victories without losing wars, and so became the triumphant tactic of the Negro Revolution of 1963. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Both a practical and a moral answer to the Negro's cry for justice, nonviolent direct action proved that it could win victories without losing wars, and so became the triumphant tactic of the Negro Revolution of 1963.

African-Americans civil rights movement nonviolence

The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community. The aftermath of nonviolence is redemption. The aftermath of nonviolence is reconciliation. The aftermath of violence are emptiness and bitterness. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community. The aftermath of nonviolence is redemption. The aftermath of nonviolence is reconciliation. The aftermath of violence are emptiness and bitterness.

civil rights movement nonviolence violence

Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

joy

Now you know when there is mass unemployment and underemployment in the black community they call it a social problem. When there is mass unemployment and underemployment in the white community they call it a depression. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Now you know when there is mass unemployment and underemployment in the black community they call it a social problem. When there is mass unemployment and underemployment in the white community they call it a depression.

African-Americans racial inequality

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

civil rights movement

There are some things so dear, some things so precious, some things so eternally true, that they are worth dying for.  And I submit to you that if a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
There are some things so dear, some things so precious, some things so eternally true, that they are worth dying for.  And I submit to you that if a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

civil rights movement purpose of life

One day we will learn that the heart can never be totally right if the head is totally wrong.  Only through the bringing together of head and heart—intelligence and goodness—shall man rise to a fulfillment of his true nature. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
One day we will learn that the heart can never be totally right if the head is totally wrong.  Only through the bringing together of head and heart—intelligence and goodness—shall man rise to a fulfillment of his true nature.

head and heart

If falls your lot to be a street sweeper in life, sweep streets like Raphael painted pictures.  Sweep streets like Michelangelo carved marble.   Sweep streets like Beethoven composed music.  Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
If falls your lot to be a street sweeper in life, sweep streets like Raphael painted pictures.  Sweep streets like Michelangelo carved marble.   Sweep streets like Beethoven composed music.  Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

excellence

It may well be that we will have to repent in this generation.  Not merely for the vitriolic words and the violent actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence and indifference of the good people who sit around and say, "Wait on time." - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
It may well be that we will have to repent in this generation.  Not merely for the vitriolic words and the violent actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence and indifference of the good people who sit around and say, "Wait on time."
— Martin Luther King Jr.

repentance action apathy

The most dangerous type of atheism is not theoretical atheism but practical atheism (Amen) — that's the most dangerous type. (Lord have mercy) And the world, even the church, is filled up with people who pay lip service to God and not life service. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The most dangerous type of atheism is not theoretical atheism but practical atheism (Amen) — that's the most dangerous type. (Lord have mercy) And the world, even the church, is filled up with people who pay lip service to God and not life service.

atheism service

But he who sells you the token instead of the coin always retains the power to revoke its worth, and to command you to get off the bus before you have reached your destination. Tokenism is a promise to pay. Democracy, in its finest sense, is payment. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
But he who sells you the token instead of the coin always retains the power to revoke its worth, and to command you to get off the bus before you have reached your destination. Tokenism is a promise to pay. Democracy, in its finest sense, is payment.

African-Americans civil rights movement

First, politics is the process by which we in a democracy create laws from our beliefs. Second, politics is the process of determining who gets how much of the whats, whens, wheres, and hows in five areas: income, education, health care, housing, and justice. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
First, politics is the process by which we in a democracy create laws from our beliefs. Second, politics is the process of determining who gets how much of the whats, whens, wheres, and hows in five areas: income, education, health care, housing, and justice.

politics

A genuine revolution of values means, in the final analysis, that our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional.  Every nation must now develop an overriding loyalty to mankind as a whole in order to preserve the best in their individual societies. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
A genuine revolution of values means, in the final analysis, that our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional.  Every nation must now develop an overriding loyalty to mankind as a whole in order to preserve the best in their individual societies.

loyalty

Men hate each other because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they can't communicate with each other; they can't communicate with each other because they are separated from each other. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Men hate each other because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they can't communicate with each other; they can't communicate with each other because they are separated from each other.

brotherhood of man

I still believe that standing up for the truth of God is the greatest thing in the world. This is the end of life. The end of life is not to be happy. The end of life is not to achieve pleasure and avoid pain. The end of life is to do the will of God, come what may. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I still believe that standing up for the truth of God is the greatest thing in the world. This is the end of life. The end of life is not to be happy. The end of life is not to achieve pleasure and avoid pain. The end of life is to do the will of God, come what may.

purpose of life religious

Freedom is never given to anybody. For the oppressor has you in domination because he plans to keep you there, and he never voluntarily gives it up. And that is where the strong resistance comes. Privileged classes never give up their privileges without strong resistance. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Freedom is never given to anybody. For the oppressor has you in domination because he plans to keep you there, and he never voluntarily gives it up. And that is where the strong resistance comes. Privileged classes never give up their privileges without strong resistance.

freedom civil rights movement

Capitalism is always in danger of inspiring men to be more concerned about making a living than making a life. We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles, rather than by the quality of our service and relationship to humanity. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Capitalism is always in danger of inspiring men to be more concerned about making a living than making a life. We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles, rather than by the quality of our service and relationship to humanity.

purpose of life capitalism

I am afraid that many among you are more concerned about making a living than making a life. You are prone to judge the success of your profession by the index of your salary and the size of the wheelbase on your automobile, rather than the quality of your service to humanity. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I am afraid that many among you are more concerned about making a living than making a life. You are prone to judge the success of your profession by the index of your salary and the size of the wheelbase on your automobile, rather than the quality of your service to humanity.

purpose of life success service

Lamentably, it is an historical fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily. Individuals may see the moral light and voluntarily give up their unjust posture; but, as Reinhold Niebuhr has reminded us, groups tend to be more immoral than individuals. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Lamentably, it is an historical fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily. Individuals may see the moral light and voluntarily give up their unjust posture; but, as Reinhold Niebuhr has reminded us, groups tend to be more immoral than individuals.

African-Americans civil rights movement power revolution

The aftermath of violence is always bitterness; the aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community so that when the battle is over, it's over, and a new love and a new understanding and a new relationship comes into being between the oppressed and the oppressor. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The aftermath of violence is always bitterness; the aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community so that when the battle is over, it's over, and a new love and a new understanding and a new relationship comes into being between the oppressed and the oppressor.
— Martin Luther King Jr. Palm Sunday sermon on Mahatma Gandhi, March 22, 1959. Delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama

civil rights movement nonviolence violence

A society that performs miracles with machinery has the capacity to make some miracles for men if it values men as highly as it values machines. This is really the crux of the problem. Are we as concerned for human values and human resources as we are for material and mechanical values? - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
A society that performs miracles with machinery has the capacity to make some miracles for men if it values men as highly as it values machines. This is really the crux of the problem. Are we as concerned for human values and human resources as we are for material and mechanical values?

technology

If you will protest courageously, and yet with dignity and Christian love, when the history books are written in future generations, the historians will have to pause and say, "There lived a great people-a black people-who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization." - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
If you will protest courageously, and yet with dignity and Christian love, when the history books are written in future generations, the historians will have to pause and say, "There lived a great people-a black people-who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization."
— Martin Luther King Jr.

inspirational African-Americans civil rights movement rebels

If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

inspirational excellence

The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority.

church religion democracy church and state

Organized labor has proved to be one of the most powerful forces in removing the blight of segregation and discrimination from our nation. Labor leaders wisely realize that the forces that are anti-Negro are usually anti-labor, and vice versa. And so organized labor is one of the Negro's strongest allies in the struggle for freedom. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Organized labor has proved to be one of the most powerful forces in removing the blight of segregation and discrimination from our nation. Labor leaders wisely realize that the forces that are anti-Negro are usually anti-labor, and vice versa. And so organized labor is one of the Negro's strongest allies in the struggle for freedom.

African-Americans civil rights movement organized labor

Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: - 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: - 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'
— Martin Luther King Jr. Speech at civil-rights march in Washington, D.C., August 1963

inspirational civil rights movement equality iconic

There was a time when the Church was very powerful.  It was during that time when the early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed.  In those days the Church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
There was a time when the Church was very powerful.  It was during that time when the early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed.  In those days the Church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

church

The first question the Levite asked was, "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But then the Good Samaritan came by. And he reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" That's the question before you tonight. . . . If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them? That's the question. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
The first question the Levite asked was, "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But then the Good Samaritan came by. And he reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" That's the question before you tonight. . . . If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them? That's the question.

biblical helping others

You must come to see that it is possible for a man to be self-centered in his self-denial and self-righteous in his self-sacrifice. He may be generous in order to feed his ego and pious in order to feed his pride. Man has the tragic capacity to relegate a heightening virtue to a tragic vice. Without love benevolence becomes egotism, and martyrdom becomes spiritual pride. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
You must come to see that it is possible for a man to be self-centered in his self-denial and self-righteous in his self-sacrifice. He may be generous in order to feed his ego and pious in order to feed his pride. Man has the tragic capacity to relegate a heightening virtue to a tragic vice. Without love benevolence becomes egotism, and martyrdom becomes spiritual pride.

love human nature

To meet hate with retaliatory hate would do nothing but intensify the existence of evil in the universe. Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love; we must meet physical force with soul force. Our aim must never be to defeat or humiliate the white man, but to win his friendship and understanding. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
To meet hate with retaliatory hate would do nothing but intensify the existence of evil in the universe. Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love; we must meet physical force with soul force. Our aim must never be to defeat or humiliate the white man, but to win his friendship and understanding.

civil rights movement hate nonviolence race relations

Above all, I see the preaching ministry as a dual process. On the one hand I must attempt to change the soul of individuals so that their societies may be changed. On the other I must attempt to change the societies so that the individual soul will have a change. Therefore, I must be concerned about unemployment, slums, and economic insecurity. I am a profound advocate of the social gospel. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
Above all, I see the preaching ministry as a dual process. On the one hand I must attempt to change the soul of individuals so that their societies may be changed. On the other I must attempt to change the societies so that the individual soul will have a change. Therefore, I must be concerned about unemployment, slums, and economic insecurity. I am a profound advocate of the social gospel.

church change society

When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of that old Negro spiritual, Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last! - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of that old Negro spiritual, Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!
— Martin Luther King Jr.

civil rights movement

True nonviolent resistance is not unrealistic submission to evil power. It is rather a courageous confrontation of evil by the power of love, in the faith that it is better to be the recipient of violence than the inflicter of it, since the latter only multiplies the existence of violence and bitterness in the universe, while the former may develop a sense of shame in the opponent, and thereby bring about a transformation and change of heart. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
True nonviolent resistance is not unrealistic submission to evil power. It is rather a courageous confrontation of evil by the power of love, in the faith that it is better to be the recipient of violence than the inflicter of it, since the latter only multiplies the existence of violence and bitterness in the universe, while the former may develop a sense of shame in the opponent, and thereby bring about a transformation and change of heart.

civil rights movement nonviolence

I still believe that organized labor can be one of the most powerful instruments to do away with this evil that confronts our nation that we refer to as segregation and discrimination. It is certainly true that the forces that are anti-Negro are by and large anti-labor, and with the coming together of the powerful influence of labor and all people of goodwill in the struggle for freedom and human dignity, I can assure you that we have a powerful instrument. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I still believe that organized labor can be one of the most powerful instruments to do away with this evil that confronts our nation that we refer to as segregation and discrimination. It is certainly true that the forces that are anti-Negro are by and large anti-labor, and with the coming together of the powerful influence of labor and all people of goodwill in the struggle for freedom and human dignity, I can assure you that we have a powerful instrument.

African-Americans civil rights movement organized labor

As a race we must struggle passionately and unrelentingly to the goal of justice, but we must be sure that our hands are clean in the struggle. We must never struggle with falsehood, hate, or malice; we must never become bitter. We must never succumb to the temptation of using violence in the struggle, for if this happens, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and our chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
As a race we must struggle passionately and unrelentingly to the goal of justice, but we must be sure that our hands are clean in the struggle. We must never struggle with falsehood, hate, or malice; we must never become bitter. We must never succumb to the temptation of using violence in the struggle, for if this happens, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and our chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos.

African-Americans racism civil rights movement nonviolence

I do not come to you as a prophet of doom; I come to you as one who has accepted the challenge of our urban ghettos. This is a more difficult challenge than the one we face in the South, for we will not be dealing with constitutional rights; we will be dealing with fundamental human rights. It is a constitutional right for a man to be able to vote, but the human right to a decent house is as categorically imperative and morally absolute as was that constitutional right. It is not a constitutional right that men have jobs, but it is a human right. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
I do not come to you as a prophet of doom; I come to you as one who has accepted the challenge of our urban ghettos. This is a more difficult challenge than the one we face in the South, for we will not be dealing with constitutional rights; we will be dealing with fundamental human rights. It is a constitutional right for a man to be able to vote, but the human right to a decent house is as categorically imperative and morally absolute as was that constitutional right. It is not a constitutional right that men have jobs, but it is a human right.

African-Americans civil rights movement racial inequality

When, for decades, you have been able to make a man compromise his manhood by threatening him with a cruel and unjust punishment, and when suddenly he turns upon you and says: "Punish me. I do not deserve it. But because I do not deserve it, I will accept it so that the world will know that I am right and you are wrong," you hardly know what to do. You feel defeated and secretly ashamed. You know that this man is as good a man as you are; that from some mysterious source he has found the courage and the conviction to meet physical force with soul force. - Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
When, for decades, you have been able to make a man compromise his manhood by threatening him with a cruel and unjust punishment, and when suddenly he turns upon you and says: "Punish me. I do not deserve it. But because I do not deserve it, I will accept it so that the world will know that I am right and you are wrong," you hardly know what to do. You feel defeated and secretly ashamed. You know that this man is as good a man as you are; that from some mysterious source he has found the courage and the conviction to meet physical force with soul force.

African-Americans civil rights movement nonviolence

We must use time creatively, and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

time

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

forgiveness

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

civil rights movement famous race relations iconic equality