Keep feeling the need for being first. But I want you to be the first in love. I want you to be the first in moral excellence. I want you to be the first in generosity.

Every word and deed must contribute to an understanding with the enemy and release those vast reservoirs of goodwill which have been blocked by impenetrable walls of hate.

Be an artist at whatever you do. Even if you are a street sweeper, be the Michelangelo of street sweepers.

Babies, we are told, are the latest news from heaven.

An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.

Perhaps...the nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.

I think that we've got to come to see this. The Negro is an American.