Quotes about Courage
Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
The nonviolent approach does not immediately change the heart of the oppressor. It first does something to the hearts and souls of those committed to it. It gives them new self-respect; it calls up resources of strength and courage they did not know they had.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
The time is always right, to do what's right.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
My friends, we cannot win the respect of the white people of the South or elsewhere if we are willing to trade the future of our children for our personal safety or comfort. Moreover, we must learn that passively to accept an unjust system is to cooperate with that system, and thereby to become a participant in its evil. ... 'Put up thy sword.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
One of these days I'm going to put my body where my mind is.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Unless you have found something in life to live for that is more important to you than your own life, you will always be a slave. For all another man needs to do is threaten to take your life to get you to do his bidding.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
If you have not discovered something you are willing to die for, then you are not fit to live.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
we must constantly build dykes of courage to hold back the flood of fear
— Martin Luther King, Jr.