Civil and political rights leader Martin Luther King implemented the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He dedicated himself to the cause of equality, the human rights of the black population of the United States, the most vulnerable people and all victims of injustice. His struggle was so great that in 1964 he received the Nobel Peace Prize.
In his famous speech “I have a dream» embraced his dream of creating a united America in which one could live without discrimination and in equality. To mark his anniversary and commemorate his fight for civil and political rights, we’ve collected some of his most unforgettable quotes.
1. The end of our lives begins the day we become silent about what matters.
2. There is always a good time to do the right thing.
3. If I knew that the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant a tree today.
4. If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But no matter what you do always move forward.
5. I’m not black, I’m a man.
6. The hope for a safe and livable world rests with disciplined nonconformists committed to justice, peace and brotherhood.
7. Never, ever be afraid to do the right thing, especially when the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are insignificant compared to the wounds we inflict on our souls when we look the other way.
8. Take your first step now. It doesn’t matter that you don’t see the full path. Just take your first step and the rest of the journey will appear as you go.
9. I decided to bet on love. Hate is too heavy a burden.
10. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a country where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
11. We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.
12. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do this. Hatred cannot drive out hatred: only love can do that.
13. True peace is not just the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice.
14. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
15. I am not hurt by the actions of bad people. I am hurt by the indifference of good people 16. I have a dream, just one dream, to continue dreaming. Dream of freedom, dream of justice, dream of equality, and I wish I didn’t have to dream about it anymore.
16. We learned to fly like birds, swim like fish, but we did not learn the simple art of living like brothers.
17. I have a dream, just one dream, keep dreaming. Dream of freedom, dream of justice, dream of equality, and I wish I didn’t have to dream about it anymore.
18. We must come to understand that the goal we are striving for is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience.
19. Faith takes the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
20. The most persistent and pressing question in life: What do you do for others?
*Publication Amnesty International.
