Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the American Civil Rights Movement for only 13 years, and yet African Americans achieved more significant progress toward racial equality during that time than they had in the past hundred years. Ultimately, Martin Luther King, Jr. is remembered as the face of the American Civil Rights Movement and one of the most respected leaders in the world.
To celebrate his 89th birthday despite his passing, here are 10 quotes that we hope will inspire you to continue his legacy of compassion and advocacy. His lessons are timely reminders of how unity, love, and leadership can change the world.
1. On Who Changes the World
Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2. On How We’re All Connected
Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
3. On Who’s Able to Be Great
Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service… You only need a heart full of grace
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
and a soul generated by love.
4. On How To Find Happiness
Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
is to seek happiness for others.
5. On Why You Need Your Voice
I came to the conclusion that there is an existential moment in your life when you must decide to speak for yourself; nobody else can speak for you.
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
6. On Genuine Leadership
A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
7. On the Power of Nonviolence
Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. which cuts without wounding and
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals.
8. On the Function of Education
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.
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
9. On Why Love Always Wins
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
10. On Doing Your Best
If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl,
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.
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What are your favorite quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr.? Share in the comments below.
