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Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotes

Civil rights activist

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Famous Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotes

“It is impossible even to begin the act of loving one's enemies without the prior acceptance of the necessity, over and over again, of forgiving those who inflict evil and injury upon us. Second, we must recognize that the evil deed of the enemy-neighbor, the thing that hurts, never quite expresses all that he is. An element of goodness may be found even in our worst enemy. Each of us is something of a schizophrenic personality, tragically divided against ourselves. ... This simply means that there is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. ... The chain reaction of evil--hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars--must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.”

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Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“Whenever the early Christians entered a town the power structure got disturbed and immediately sought to convict them for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators." But they went on with the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," and had to obey God rather than man. They were small in number but big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." They brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contest.”

MenEndsBigsChristianEvilHeavenPeaceNumbersCommitmentTownsStructureAncientConvictionContestsDisturbedIntimidatedColonyConvictsIntoxicatedInfanticide
Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“We will not build a peaceful world by following a negative path. It is not enough to say we will not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it. We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war, but on the positive affirmation of peace”

WorldWarEnoughPeacePathSacrificeNegativeFollowingPeacefulAffirmationPeace WarBeing At PeaceMake Peace Not WarPeaceful WorldPeace Not WarPositive AffirmationsExpulsionLove And WarPeaceful RevolutionWar Love
Book:In a Single Garment of Destiny
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“I refuse to accept the view . . . that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.”

RealityI BelievePeaceBlackViewsAcceptingMankindMonthsKingsRacismRefuseI Believe InPeacefulAfrican AmericanUnconditional LoveBrotherhoodUnconditionalBlack HistoryPeace WarRacial DiscriminationBlack History MonthUnarmedInternational PeaceBlack History Month InspirationalBrotherhood Of ManUnconditional AcceptanceKings SpeechWorld Peace DayDaybreakBlack History InspirationalPeaceful ProtestBlack ChurchAfrican American LoveBlack InspirationalBlack RacismPeace With OthersRacism And PrejudiceDiscrimination And RacismEnding RacismFlotsamBrotherhood And PeaceTrue Brotherhood
Book:The Essential Martin Luther King, Jr.:
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“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

LoveLifeInspirationalGodLightHatePeaceCan DoInspiringDarknessLove YouGreatnessKingsForgivenessHatredOppositesSocial JusticeCivil RightsAfrican AmericanHatedInspirational LoveAmerican DreamAmerican HistoryLight And DarknessLove HateOnly LoveLove And HateFamous LoveLight And DarkPeace JusticeMake Peace Not WarDescendingBlack History MonthDarkness To LightHaterHate SpeechPeace Not WarLove Your EnemiesBlack History Month InspirationalAfrican American HistoryKings SpeechLight Of The WorldLight Of LoveKings And LoveGood KingsBlack History InspirationalPower And LoveLoving Your EnemiesViolence And WarLight And LoveHatred And LoveSpiritual LightI Hate LoveAfrican American InspirationalAfrican American History MonthLight DarkHated LoveAfrican American Civil RightsHatred For LoveSpiritual DarknessLove Not HateDark LifeHate The WorldPeople You HateDarkness In Life
Book:A Gift of Love: Sermons from Strength to Love and Other Preachings
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“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

LoveInspirationalHateChoicesPeaceDecisionInspiringMorningThis WorldBearsKingsSpeechDecidedHatredAnd LoveI HateSticksBurdenCivil RightsHatedActivistInspirational LoveGreat LoveCivil Rights MovementLove HateBest LoveLove And HateFamous LoveGreatest LoveTrue Love IsChristian LoveInspiring LoveWorld LoveHate SpeechBest Ever LoveKings SpeechLove Is LifeKings And LoveGood KingsImportunateCivil Right MovementLoving LoveHatred And LoveUltimate LoveI Hate LoveInspire LoveChrist LoveNo HateStop HatingHated LoveAfrican American Civil RightsBeing HatedBurdens Of LifeHatred For LoveLove And InspirationMotivational LoveInspiration LoveLove Is AmazingHate My LifeI Hate My Life
Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“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.”

MenLifeInspirationalMomentsWisdomMotivationalPeaceWomenChallengesLeadershipInspiringLeaderKingsComfortDeterminationStandingUltimateAdversityActivismRecoveryCivil RightsAfrican AmericanPatrioticActivistGraduationBad AssControversyTough TimesConvenienceBad DayGreat LeaderBaptistsDrug AddictionDrug AddictOvercoming ChallengesWorld LeaderRecoveringBeing A LeaderLeadership By Famous LeadersBest LeaderMotivational LeadershipAddiction RecoveryPeace Not WarChallenge YourselfWhere You Are GoingOutstanding LeadershipIntegrity And CharacterTimes Of AdversityIntegrity CharacterMeasure Of A ManKings SpeechBorn LeadersDrug Addiction RecoveryKings And LoveGood KingsOutstanding LeadersWhen Life Is HardInspirational Addiction RecoveryObstacles And ChallengesInspirational RecoveryDrug RecoveryMotivational RecoveryInspirational Drug RecoveryLeadership And ServiceCivil Rights LeadersLeadership StyleMost EncouragingDaily ChallengesTrue Measure Of A ManUltimate Motivational
Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

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Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

InspirationalMotivationalHopePeaceLosesLossInspiringAcceptingSuccessfulAcceptancePositiveGreatnessKingsLosingInfiniteDisappointmentCivil RightsSuccessful PeopleEncouragingFiniteDisappointDisappointingHaving HopePeace And JusticeSuccessful BusinessPeace JusticeHope For The FutureAchieved SuccessGreat HopeNever Lose HopeKings SpeechKings And LoveGood KingsLost HopeLosing HopeDisappointment LoveHope InspirationalDisappointment In FriendsBeing DisappointedHope And ChangeAfrican American Civil RightsOvercome TrialsNever Lose FaithLife DisappointmentInfinite HopePeople DisappointDisappointed In YouInfinite BeautyDeep Disappointment
Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“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.”

LoveBelieveWarRealityTruthFaithHumanityI BelievePeaceBlackFreedomViewsAcceptingMankindHuman NatureMonthsKingsRacismFinalsWordsBoundsRefuseI Believe InOptimisticPeacefulAfrican AmericanTragicUnconditional LoveBrotherhoodAmerican DreamMidnightUnconditionalBlack HistoryBrightnessPeace WarPeace And LoveBeliveRacial DiscriminationBlack History MonthUnarmedInternational PeaceBlack History Month InspirationalBrotherhood Of ManUnconditional AcceptanceKings SpeechFinal WordsWorld Peace DayDaybreakKings And LoveBlack History InspirationalBlack ChurchAfrican American LoveBlack InspirationalBlack RacismPeace With OthersRacism And PrejudiceDiscrimination And RacismEnding RacismFlotsamBrotherhood And PeaceTruth Will PrevailTrue Brotherhood
Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

WisdomPeaceCommunityJusticeFreedomStruggleRightsSocietyDangerKingsGaySocial JusticeThreatInjusticeHuman RightsEqualityCivil RightsIslamicJailBentEqual RightsMenacePeace And JusticeCriminal JusticeI Had A DreamBeing At PeacePeace JusticeRacial JusticeEquality And JusticeInternational PeaceBirminghamLiberty And JusticeMass IncarcerationSocial InjusticeTruth And JusticeLaw And JusticeI Have A Dream SpeechKings SpeechJustice For AllKings And LoveGood KingsSocial EqualityCivil Right MovementJustice And MercyJustice And InjusticeSocial ActionAfrican American InspirationalAmerican JusticeEqual JusticeLegal RightsHuman EqualityAfrican American Civil RightsJustice EqualityJustice TruthBeloved CommunityInterrelatednessInjustice AnywhereRights In AmericaJustice Denied
Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“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.”

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Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”

MenLoveHumansPeaceViolenceKingsConflictMethodFoundationRevengeCivil RightsAfrican AmericanEvolveRejectsResolutionNonviolenceAggressionSelf DisciplineCivil Rights MovementBaptistsNon ViolenceCriminal MindDisarmamentPeace WarPeace And JusticePeace And LoveConflict ResolutionBeing At PeaceMediationPeace JusticeRetaliationHuman LoveNon ViolentBest RevengeInner ConflictExacting RevengeNobel Peace PrizeHuman CapacityKings SpeechViolence And PeaceKings And LoveCivil Right MovementRevenge Is SweetFoundation Of Love
Book:The Essential Martin Luther King, Jr.:
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“The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?'”

IfsMenFirstsHelpingHappensPeaceLeadershipInspiringCompassionCharityHelping OthersPriestsServingHelping PeopleStarting OverServing OthersPeace And JusticeDeterminismPeace JusticeRhymingInspirational CharityInspirational ServiceHelping Other PeopleGood KingsSamaritans
Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.”

WorldLyingPeaceJusticeDisciplineDiversityCommitmentSecureThought ProvokingBrotherhoodDedicatedSelf DisciplineNonconformityPeace And JusticeUnity In DiversityPeace JusticeNonconformistKings And LoveAmerican JusticeTrailblazersBrotherhood And PeaceDisciplined Life
Book:A Gift of Love: Sermons from Strength to Love and Other Preachings
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“Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him.”

MenMeanWarSpiritHatePeaceFreedomViolenceRefuseRedemptionInternalsThought ProvokingNonviolenceAvoidingNon ViolencePeace And JusticePeace JusticeHate HimViolence And PeaceAvoiding PainPhysical Violence
Book:I Have a Dream: The Quotations of Martin Luther King, Jr
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“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”

MeanWarHumanityPeaceGoalViolencePeacefulPeace Of MindOur WorldAnti WarAntiwarFinding PeaceDisarmamentPeace WarGreat WarPeace And JusticePeace And LoveConflict ResolutionPeace And HappinessPeacemakingBeing At PeacePeace JusticePeacefulnessMake Peace Not WarPeaceful WorldAchieving PeaceInternational PeacePeace Not WarPeacekeepingInner Peace And HappinessPeace And SecurityViolence And PeaceWorld Peace DayInternational Peace DayFreedom And PeacePeace Of HeartViolence And WarPeace HarmonyPeace And TolerancePromoting PeaceHarmony And LoveMaintaining Peace
Book:A Time to Break Silence: The Essential Works of Martin Luther King, Jr., for Students
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“It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it.”

LoveWarEnoughPeaceSacrificeAnti WarAntiwarPeace WarGreat WarPeace And JusticePeace And LovePeace And HappinessBeing At PeacePeace JusticeMake Peace Not WarRevolutionary WarPeaceful WorldPeace LoveAchieving PeacePeace Not WarTrue PeaceWaging WarKings And LoveWar VeteranLove And WarAmerican WarEternal PeaceUnnecessary WarWar LoveWar With Yourself
Book:A Time to Break Silence: The Essential Works of Martin Luther King, Jr., for Students
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“On some positions, cowardice asks the question, is it expedient? And then expedience comes along and asks the question, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? Conscience asks the question, is it right? There comes a time when one must take the position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must do it because conscience tells him it is right.”

LifeTimeAsksPeaceCouragePositionSafeConscienceVanityCowardiceThere Comes A TimeExpedience
Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time: the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”

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Book:The Essential Martin Luther King, Jr.:
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“Be The Peace You Wish To See In The World!”

WorldInspirationalMotivationalWishPeaceChangeInspiringChangedPositiveInspirational LifeParentingLife ChangingChanging The WorldChanging Your LifeMaking ChangesMost InterestingDoing GoodShort LifeChange For The BetterChanging My LifeSatyagrahaWorld EnvironmentInspirational ChangeSmall ChangesTime For A ChangeMaking A Difference In The WorldTimes Have ChangedVery FamousPeople ChangingEmbrace ChangeTime And ChangeCreating ChangeLife Is GreatAll Time FavoriteBusiness ChangeMotivational Life ChangingYou Make A DifferenceChange Is InevitableMind ChangingYou Can't Change PeopleAfraid Of ChangeInevitable ChangeShort Inspirational LifeProcess Of ChangeReally PopularWorld And LifeMy Life Is ChangingLight Of My LifeAction And ChangePower To Change The WorldTimes Are ChangingPowerful Life ChangingWhy ChangeBest ShortShort Motivational LifeChanging RealityMost Well Known
Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”

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Book:The Wisdom of Martin Luther King, Jr
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“The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate... Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

MayFactsLightLyingHateEvilFearPeaceCan DoDarknessViolenceKingsWeaknessHatredUltimateIncreaseMurderLiarsNon ViolenceOnly LoveSpiralsDescendingViolence And PeaceKings And LoveLove Not Hate
Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down men other-centered can build up. I still believe that one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed, and nonviolent redemptive good will proclaim the rule of the land.”

MenMindBelieveStillsWarSelfBodySpiritCultureThreeI BelievePeaceLandMankindOne DayDignityMealsBowsTornAltarsSelf CenteredGoodwillTriumphantI Still BelieveBloodshedAudacity
Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“If you succumb to the temptation of using violence in the struggle, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and your chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos.”

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Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“Somehow we must transform the dynamics of the world power struggle from the negative nuclear arms race which no one can win to a positive contest to harness man's creative genius for the purpose of making peace and prosperity a reality for all of the nations of the world.”

MenWorldRealityPurposeWinningNationsPeaceRaceCreativityStruggleCreativeArmsGeniusNegativeProsperityPositivityNuclearContestsMaking PeaceDisarmamentPeace WarDynamicsHarnessPeace And JusticePeace JusticeMake Peace Not WarArms RaceCreative GeniusPower StruggleNuclear ArmsWorld PowerNuclear Arms Race
Book:The Essential Martin Luther King, Jr.:
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“I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizens Councilor or the Ku Klux Klanner but the white moderate who is more devoted to order than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice.”

OrderPeaceJusticeWhiteCitizensDiversityNegativeSocial JusticeAbsenceBlockConclusionTensionDevotedModeratesDisobedienceStrideCivil DisobedienceStumblingLukewarmEconomic JusticeStumbling BlocksCreative Tension
Author:Martin Luther King, Jr.
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