But life at its best is a creative synthesis of opposites in fruitful harmony.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

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

He who is greatest among you shall be a servant. That's the new definition of greatness. ... By giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.

I am convinced that love is the most durable power in the world. It is not an expression of impractical idealism, but of practical realism. Far from being the pious injunction of a Utopian dreamer, love is an absolute necessity for the survival of our civilization. To return hate for hate does nothing but intensify the existence of evil in the universe. Someone must have sense enough and religion enough to cut off the chain of hate and evil, and this can only be done through love.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

By nonviolent resistance, the Negro can also enlist all men of good will in his struggle for equality.