And I submit to you that if a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.”ĥ. “There are some things so dear, some things so precious, some things so eternally true, that they are worth dying for. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others.”Ĥ. “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. Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963ģ. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” And we are determined here in Montgomery to work and fight until justice runs down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream.'Īddress at Holt Street Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama, 1955Ģ. If we are wrong, justice is a lie, love has no meaning. If we are wrong, Jesus of Nazareth was merely a utopian dreamer that never came down to Earth. And if we are wrong, God Almighty is wrong. If we are wrong, the Constitution of the United States is wrong. If we are wrong, the Supreme Court of this nation is wrong. “We are not wrong, we are not wrong in what we are doing. If you want to read more quotes, check out the resources at the end of this story. Each section contains a link to the original source.

The quotes come from public speeches given by King, a letter, and one of his books.

Here are 10 statements from King’s 13-year career as a public figure that defined his quest. was one of the most quotable speakers of the 20th century.

Martin luther king jr quotes