9 Inspiring Quotes by Martin Luther King, Jr.

Around here, we never hesitate to lean on the brilliance and inspiration of others. And there are a rare few who gifted us as much wisdom as Martin Luther King, Jr., who left so much of the world’s work undone. It is on us to continue that work.

And so, to inspire you as we honor his legacy, here are 9 of his most inspiring quotes:

  1. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." ("Strength to Love" (1963))

  2. "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." ("Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?" (1967))

  3. "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." (Speech at the National Cathedral, March 31, 1968).

  4. "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." ("Strength to Love" (1963))

  5. "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" ("Strength to Love" (1963))

  6. "The time is always right to do what is right." (Oberlin College commencement address (1965))

  7. "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.'" ("I Have a Dream" speech (1963))

  8. "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." ("The Purpose of Education" (1947))

  9. "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." ("Speech before the National Press Club" (March 14, 1962))

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