Quotes about Morality
Constructive ends can never give absolute moral justification to destructive means, because in the final analysis the end is preexistent in the means.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
But the absence of brutality and unregenerate evil is not the presence of justice. To stay murder is not the same thing as to ordain brotherhood.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
it is wrong to use immoral means to attain moral ends. But now I must affirm that it is just as wrong, or perhaps even more so, to use moral means to preserve immoral ends.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
To believe in nonviolence does not mean that violence will not be inflicted upon you. The believer in nonviolence is the person who will willingly allow himself to be the victim of violence but will never inflict violence upon another.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
As T. S. Eliot has said: "The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Along the way of life, someone must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate and evil. The greatest way to do that is through love. I believe firmly that love is a transforming power than can lift a whole community to new horizons of fair play, goodwill, and justice.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Civilization and violence are antithetical concepts
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Never, never be afraid to do what is right. Society's punishments are small compare to the wounds we inflict on our souls when we look away
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
We still have a choice today: nonviolent coexistence or violent co-annihilation. We must move past indecision to action...If we do not act, we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark, and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the wellbeing of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.