7 Important Life Lessons We Can All Learn From Martin Luther King, Jr.

If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward – Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotes

Introduction

Inspired by the anti-violent teachings of Mahatma Gandhi amidst the arduous battle for racial equality came one of the greatest leaders in the world.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia to Michael King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King with older sister, Willie Christine, and younger brother, Alfred Daniel. At the age of five, the young King started his schooling at a public school. He studied high school at Booker T. Washington High School and at the very young age of 15, he entered Morehouse College in Atlanta where he earned his degree in Sociology in 1948. King then attended Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania where he graduated as the class valedictorian in 1951. He took his doctorate degree in Boston University and completed the same in 1955.

King Jr. was married to Coretta Scott in June 1953 and got four kids. He also worked as a pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

He was viewed as one of the most relevant people who led a series of nonviolent protests in 1950s until his death in 1968 for the African- American community to achieve legal equality.

In 1955, King Jr. served as the spokesman for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. On December 1, 1955, a 42-year-old Rosa Parks was arrested after she refused to give up her seat at the “colored” section in the bus in order for other standing white passengers to get a seat. She was found guilty of violating the Montgomery City Code. In their bid to rule out racial segregation in transportation, the African- American community launched the bus boycott, which led to the landmark Supreme Court decision ruling racial segregation in transportation as unconstitutional.

In 1957, King Jr. along with other African- American civil right leaders established the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with the former as the president. The group led subsequent campaigns and protests by implementing nonviolent means to promote civil reforms.

Six year after, “the most segregated city in America,” Birmingham, Alabama has been the focus King’s nonviolent campaign. On August 28 of the same year, Martin Luther King, Jr. the historic March on Washington attended by more than 200,000 people. It was on the same day at Lincoln Memorial when Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. In 1963, he was named Time magazine’s “Man of the Year” and in 1964, he won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Eventually, through Martin Luther King’s peaceful leadership, the Congress passed the Civil Rights Act, which treated black discrimination completely illegal. This was followed by the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965. The new legislation cleared voting barriers for American- African communities.

His contributions in civil rights reforms ended on April 4, 1968, when Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated outside his room at Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

Martin Luther King – I Have A Dream Speech (Video)

7 Important Life Lessons from Martin King Luther, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is such an inspiration to several generations. He is known to be a believer and advocate of the truth and non-violent settlements. His entire existence has brought a large impact to many populations around the world. In fact, he has provided legacies that can be used by individuals to lead a fascinating life, just like the way Martin Luther King, Jr. did.

King was truly an exceptional leader. In fact, hundreds of thousands have followed him and his legacies. Experts believe that King has some special charisma, but people believe that his principles are what make him a great leader. Below are some of King’s best words, which could give special impact to the lives of those who come across each one of it.

Life Lesson #1:

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

This quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. made him a highly amiable personality to all. Men, women, the old and the young, all people who have followed his principles have believed in his character. What he has taught the people is to believe in their selves and trust that whatever path they take, they will be able to make it. King was a man of faith and that is also one thing that he wants the people to have, faith.

Life Lesson #2:

Human Salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.”

It is important to live life as ourselves. Each person has a life of his own and he is special in his own way. Every individual has a life to live with purpose. And every person’s purpose is to make the world a better place to live in, not just for the present generation, but for all the generations that are yet to come. It doesn’t matter what race or nationality you belong to, the bottom line is that you are a person and that you belong to the world all the others around you.

Life Lesson #3:

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

This is the most practical life lesson that martin Luther King, Jr. has left to the world. Love is actually what the world needs. Where there is love, everything else will be put into their proper places. With love, no violence will ever be made. As a matter of fact, love is the best gift one could give and receive.

Life Lesson #4:

We who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden that is already alive.”

Love is always the answer and never violence. There is nothing that can’t be resolved with proper communication. Violence will only make things worse. King’s principle teaches us that nonviolent resistance can be done, especially when it comes to the quest of searching for justice and racial equality.

Life Lesson #5:

Whatever affects on directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”

No man is an island and life is meant to be lived in coexistence. Every person in this world is born with people around him and so he shall live with more through his entire lifetime. When problems come, it is best to deal with the trouble with all people that have the same beliefs as you. After all, it’s not all just about you. It should be all for one and one for all.

Life Lesson #6:

I submit to you that if a man hasn’t discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.”

King wants us to know that passion is an important aspect to reach success. Every person is entitled to a life that is worth living and a life with purpose. Martin Luther King, Jr. has in fact believed that every person born into the world deserves equality, and justice. His quest to fight off cruelty is powerfully driven by nonviolent protest. His noble works has actually gained him a Nobel Peace Prize.

Life Lesson #7:

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.”

What King wants to tell the populace is to stand up for what is right. It is not enough to agree with a leader. It is mostly essential to pay attention and defend your own rights. One should be able to stand up and do something not just for his own good but for the good of everybody.

The life lessons above were only a few of the many things that we could learn from him. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a father, a brother, and a highly reputable leader. Many people believed in his principles because he was after the truth and the good.