The most famous Martin Luther King Jr. quotes
The top 3 according to 69 votes from people: I have a dream that my four little children ... will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. · Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. · The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.. (Updated Apr 2, 2021.)
From "I have a dream" to "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" and "I've been to the mountaintop": Martin Luther King Jr.'s best-known words, with the speech, letter or book they come from.
Top 11
-
1
I have a dream that my four little children ... will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
"I Have a Dream", Washington, 28 August 1963.
-
2
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 1963.
-
3
The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.
"How Long, Not Long", Montgomery, 25 March 1965.
-
4
Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'
Speech in Montgomery, 1957.
-
5
I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
"Where Do We Go from Here?", 16 August 1967.
-
6
The time is always right to do what is right.
Address at Oberlin College, 22 October 1964.
-
7
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Strength to Love (1963).
-
8
Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. It is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it.
Why We Can't Wait (1964).
-
9
I've been to the mountaintop... I may not get there with you. But we, as a people, will get to the promised land.
"I've Been to the Mountaintop", Memphis, 3 April 1968, the day before his assassination.
-
10
Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!
"I Have a Dream", closing words, 28 August 1963.
-
11
We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
Speech in St. Louis, 22 March 1964.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
Is something missing?
Comments (1)
Read the full Letter from Birmingham Jail if you never have. The quote is famous but the whole letter is incredible.