This business of burning human beings with napalm, of filling our nation's homes with orphans and widows, of injecting poisonous drugs of hate into veins of peoples normally humane, of sending men home from dark and bloody battlefields physically handicapped and psychologically deranged, cannot be reconciled with wisdom, justice and love.
I am convinced that...in the struggle for righteousness man has cosmic companionship.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the idea that in the pursuit of justice and righteousness, individuals are not alone but supported by a greater cosmic presence.
Martin Luther King, Jr. expresses a profound belief in the idea that when one stands up for what is morally right and just, they are accompanied by a universal force that lends support and companionship. This suggests that the quest for righteousness is not merely a personal endeavor but part of a larger, cosmic struggle that aligns with the principles of justice and morality. It encourages individuals to find strength and solace in the fact that their fight for justice is supported by a greater power, reinforcing the importance of courage and conviction in the face of challenges.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a speech about social justice to inspire activists.
More from Martin Luther King, Jr.
All quotes βMusic is the best consolation for a despaired man
We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love.
We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.
Israel... is one of the great outpost of democracy in the world
One of the greatest casualties of the war in Vietnam is the Great Society... shot down on the battlefield of Vietnam.
Similar quotes
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it is only courage on the path itself that makes the path appear
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There comes an hour when protest no longer suffices; after philosophy there must be action; the strong hand finishes what the idea has sketched.
As I suffer in the defence of my Country, I must consider this hour as the most glorious of my life -Remember that I die as becomes a British Officer, while the manner of my death must reflect disgrace on your Commander.