Influences – MLK

Welcome to another edition of Influences.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Though he wasn’t a traditional writer, his words had an impact on me. I’d like to share a few of his most inspiring quotes today.

On hate versus love:

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

And:

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

On complicity:

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

On making progress:

If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But by all means, keep moving.

On believing in yourself:

Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.

And my personal favorite, on finding common ground with those with whom we disagree:

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.