A second basic fact that characterizes nonviolence is that it does not seek to defeat or humiliate the opponent, but to win his friendship and understanding.

People with good intentions but limited understanding are more dangerous than people with total ill will.

We must stand up and say, "I'm black and I'm beautiful," and this self-affirmation is the black man's need, made compelling by the white man's crimes against him.

I would rather be a man of conviction than a man of conformity

The law of "An eye for an eye" will eventually leave everyone blind.

In the final analysis, means and ends must cohere because the end is preexistent in the means, and, ultimately, destructive means cannot bring about constructive ends.

Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.