10 Inspiring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes on How to Make the World a Better Place

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Cheyenne Diaz
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10 Inspiring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes on How to Make the World a Better Place
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Summary: 89 years ago, one of the world's greatest leaders was born. Celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with these 10 quotes that will empower you to drive change and unity — even when the world feels divided.

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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.
On Who Changes the World

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.
On How We’re All Connected

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
and a soul generated by love.

— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Who’s Able to Be Great

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
is to seek happiness for others.

— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On How To Find Happiness

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.
On Why You Need Your Voice

6. On Genuine Leadership

A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.

— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Genuine Leadership

7. On the Power of Nonviolence

Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. which cuts without wounding and
ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals.

— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On the Power of Nonviolence

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.
On the Function of Education

9. On Why Love Always Wins

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Why Love Always Wins

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,
but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.

— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Doing Your Best

Want more inspirational quotes on how to change the world? Follow Mindvalley’s Instagram account.

What are your favorite quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr.? Share in the comments below.

Cheyenne Diaz

Cheyenne Diaz

Cheyenne Diaz is a former content writer at Mindvalley. She is a consultant and scholar who specializes in finding the financial support and partnerships necessary to create movements. With over six years of experience in media, programming and education, Cheyenne currently holds positions in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sector.
Written by

Cheyenne Diaz

Cheyenne Diaz is a former content writer at Mindvalley. She is a consultant and scholar who specializes in finding the financial support and partnerships necessary to create movements. With over six years of experience in media, programming and education, Cheyenne currently holds positions in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sector.

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