Famous Quote Of Martin Luther King Jr
Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Baptist minister and activist who played a key role in the American civil rights movement. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American history, and his words continue to inspire people around the world. Here are some of his most famous quotes:
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
This quote is from King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech, which he delivered in 1963 at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In the speech, King called for an end to racism and segregation in the United States.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
This quote is from King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail," which he wrote in 1963 while he was imprisoned for leading protests against segregation in Birmingham, Alabama. In the letter, King argued that all forms of injustice must be opposed, even if they do not directly affect us.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
This quote is from King's book "Strength to Love," which was published in 1963. In the book, King argued that love and nonviolence are the most powerful tools for social change, and that hatred and violence only lead to more hatred and violence.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
This quote is from King's speech "Beyond Vietnam," which he delivered in 1967. In the speech, King spoke out against the Vietnam War and called for an end to all forms of violence and oppression.
"The time is always right to do what is right."
This quote is from a speech King gave at Oberlin College in 1965. In the speech, King stressed the importance of taking action to fight for justice and equality, even when it may be difficult or unpopular.
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
This quote is from King's book "Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?," which was published in 1967. In the book, King reflected on the challenges facing the civil rights movement and urged his followers to remain hopeful and persistent in the face of adversity.
"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."
This quote is from King's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, which he delivered in 1964. In the speech, King spoke about the power of love and nonviolence to overcome hatred and oppression.
"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."
This quote is from King's book "Strength to Love." In the book, King emphasized the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it may be difficult or unpopular.
"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle."
This quote is from King's book "Why We Can't Wait," which was published in 1964. In the book, King called for sustained and persistent action to bring about social change.
"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed."
This quote is from King's book "Letter from Birmingham Jail." In the letter, King argued that oppressed people must demand their own freedom and cannot rely on the goodwill of their oppressors to grant it to them.
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."
This quote is from King's book "The Purpose of Education." In the book, King argued that education should be about more than just acquiring knowledge and skills; it should also be about developing one's character and sense of social responsibility.
"We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
This quote is from King's book "Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?" In the book, King emphasized the importance of building bridges between different groups of people and working together for the common good.
"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice."
This quote is from King's sermon "A Time to Break Silence," which he delivered in 1967. In the sermon, King spoke about the gradual progress of history towards justice and the importance of working towards that goal.
"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."
This quote is from a speech King gave at Spelman College in 1960. In the speech, King encouraged his listeners to keep striving towards their goals, even in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
"The time is always right to do what is right."
This quote is from a speech King gave at Oberlin College in 1965. In the speech, King stressed the importance of taking action to fight for justice and equality, even when it may be difficult or unpopular.
"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."
This quote is from King's book "Strength to Love." In the book, King emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation as a means of building a better world.
"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."
This quote is from King's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. In the speech, King spoke about his vision for a world without racism, war, and inequality, and emphasized the importance of love and nonviolence in achieving that goal.
"The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict."
This quote is from a speech King gave at Southern Methodist University in 1966. In the speech, King criticized those who remained silent in the face of injustice and called on all people to take a stand for what is right.