For years, I labored with the idea of reforming the existing institutions in the South, a little change here, a little change there. Now I feel quite differently. I think you've got to have a reconstruction of the entire system, a revolution of values.

We must in strength and humility meet hate with love.

I cannot forget that the Nobel Prize for Peace was also a commission - a commission to work harder than I had ever worked before for "the brotherhood of man".

Set yourself earnestly to discover what you are made to do, and then give yourself passionately to the doing of it.

Without God, all of our efforts turn to ashes and our sunrise into the darkest of nights.

In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action.

What affects one in a major way, affects all in a minor way.