Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.

When people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point short of victory.

You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

The Negro who experiences bitter and agonizing circumstances as a result of some ungodly white person is tempted to look upon all white persons as evil, if he fails to look beyond his circumstances. But the minute he looks beyond his circumstances and sees the whole of the situation, he discovers that some of the most implacable and vehement advocates of racial equality are consecrated white persons.

Another reason why we must love our enemies is that hate scars the soul and distorts the personality.

Capitalism does not permit an even flow of economic resources. With this system, a small privileged few are rich beyond conscience, and almost all others are doomed to be poor at some level. That's the way the system works. And since we know that the system will not change the rules, we are going to have to change the system.

He should sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lives a great street-sweeper who did his job well'