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I became convinced that noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good. No other person has been more eloquent and passionate in getting this idea across than Henry David Thoreau. As a result of his writings and personal witness, we are the heirs of a legacy of creative protest.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Noncooperation with evil is as essential a moral duty as cooperating with good.

Martin Luther King, Jr. emphasizes the importance of actively resisting evil in society, arguing that turning a blind eye to wrongdoing is not a neutral stance but a moral failing. He acknowledges the influence of Henry David Thoreau, whose ideas on civil disobedience inspire individuals to engage in creative forms of protest against injustice.

Themes

NoncooperationEvilMoral ObligationGoodCreative ProtestThoreau

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech at a civil rights rally to encourage active resistance against injustice.

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Quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. | QuoteProject