Quotes by Martin Luther King


Martin Luther King, Jr.
(January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)
American clergyman, activist and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. His main legacy was to secure progress on civil rights in the United States and he is frequently referenced as a human rights icon today.

ultimate measure of a man

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

— Martin Luther King

Injustice anywhere

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

— Martin Luther King

secure and livable world

The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.

— Martin Luther King

When you are right

When you are right you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative.

— Martin Luther King

things that matter

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

— Martin Luther King

silence of our friends

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

— Martin Luther King

highest respect for the law

I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.

— Martin Luther King

Without justice

Without justice there can be no peace.

— Martin Luther King