It is better to be the recipient of violence than the inflicter of it, since the latter only multiplies the existence of violence and bitterness in the universe, while the former may develop a sense of shame in the opponent, and thereby bring about a transformation and change of heart.

Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and establish such creative tension that a community that has consistently refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue.

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

Education without morals is like a ship without a compass, merely wandering nowhere.

Every crisis has both its dangers and its opportunities. Each can spell either salvation or doom.

Loving Your Enemies... Far from being the pious injunction of a utopian dreamer, this demand is an absolute necessity for the survival of our civilization. Yes it is love that will save our world and civilization; love even for our enemies.

Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.