“I have a dream.” These four words spoken by Martin Luther King Jr. have inspired hundreds of thousands, even millions of people, to this day. Dr. King pushed for equality and acceptance, no matter a person’s race, religion, or economic status. He showed the American people that we can fight battles without violence, but instead with compassion, love, and kindness.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a minster, an activist, and a spokesperson for the Civil Rights Movement. He worked for years trying to end segregation in America. He fought against injustice, promoted peace and nonviolence, and stood up for the things he believed. Through it all, Dr. King did with kindness on his mind.
More than 50 years after his death, Martin Luther King Jr. continues to make an impact on people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. His words inspire those that want to stand up for injustice or speak out for a cause. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has arguably made the most impact single-handedly on breaking the social barriers of a race of people.
Here are some of Dr. King’s quotes regarding acceptance and kindness:
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
“Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.”
“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
“If you are seeking the highest good, I think you can find it through love.”
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
“Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service… You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”
“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”
“That old law about ‘an eye for an eye’ leaves everybody blind. The time is always right to do the right thing.”
King’s famous speeches, marches, and other nonviolent protests helped him win a Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality. After his death, King continues to be recognized for his work. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom as well as the Congressional Gold Medal, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established to celebrate his life and accomplishments.
Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, and that dream included the acceptance and equality of everyone. What are your dreams for the world? For your life? For your loved ones? How can you use kindness to make those dreams come true? Start by keeping kindness at the forefront of your mind in everything that you do. You never know the impact that your words could make, maybe even for years to come.
“So even though we face difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream.”