Martin Luther King, Jr. was—and still is—a figure synonymous with courage and eloquence. Through his passionate advocacy for civil rights and nonviolent resistance, he left an incredible mark on American history. This collection of quotes not only serves as a reminder of his visionary leadership, but as a beacon of inspiration for a world in dire need of more equality, understanding and empathy through peace and love.

“Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” 

“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.” 

“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” 

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” 

“Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice, say that I was a drum major for peace, I was a drum major for righteousness, and all the other shallow things will not matter.” 

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

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” 

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” 

“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.” 

“The time is always right to do what is right.” 

“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.” 

“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. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.” 

“The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important.” 

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” 

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” 

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”