Famous Quotes by Martin Luther King

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We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

— Speech in St. Louis, Missouri, March 22, 1964

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

— “I Have a Dream” speech, August 28, 1963

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. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others.

— Strength to Love (1963)

We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.

— “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” April 16, 1963

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

— “I Have a Dream” speech, August 28, 1963

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

— Strength to Love (1963)

Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And he’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promised land . . . So I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man.

— “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, April 3, 1968 (the day before his assassination)

If a man hasn’t discovered something he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.

— Speech in Detroit, Michigan on June 23, 1963

I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and willingly accepts the penalty by staying in jail in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the very highest respect for the law.

— “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” April 16, 1963

Source: http://history1900s.about.com/od/martinlutherkingjr/a/mlkquotes.htm