Man has two great spiritual needs. One is for forgiveness. The other is for goodness.

We forfeit the right to worship God as long as we continue to humiliate negroes. ... The hour calls for moral grandeur and spiritual audacity.

Ethical existence [is] the highest manifestation of spirituality.

Always do what's right; this will gratify some and astonish the rest

The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life.

True religion is real living; living with all one's soul, with all one's goodness and righteousness.

Science has therefore been charged with undermining morality, but the charge is unjust. A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.

human community life cannot long endure on a basis of crude force, brutality, terror, and hate. Only understanding for our neighbors, justice in our dealings, and willingness to help our fellow men can give human society permanence and assure security for the individual.

The highest principles for our aspirations and judgments are given to us in the Jewish-Christian religious tradition.

But the nature of the universe is such that the ends never justify the means. On the contrary, the means always determine the end.

Who talks most about freedom and equality? Is it not those who hold the bill of rights in one hand and a whip for affrighted slaves in the other?

The legal battle against segregation is won, but the community battle goes on.