“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.
| A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”
“Human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men [and women] willing to be co-workers with God.”
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”
There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.
| A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
I have decided to stick to love… Hate is too great a burden to bear.
| A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
“Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person . . . is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”