8 Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes to Change Your Mindset

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

(From "Letter from Birmingham Jail," 1963)

This is your reminder not to ignore issues just because they don’t seem to affect you directly. Educate yourself, and speak up against injustices, big or small, in your community or beyond. Volunteer, donate, or simply start conversations about how to make the world a fairer place for all.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

(From his "I Have a Dream" speech, 1963)

This is one of the most well-known MLK quotes and for good reason. This is a dream we should all support and while strides have been made against racism, there’s still a lot of work to be done. Make a habit of fostering inclusivity in your personal and professional spaces every chance you get.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

(From "Strength to Love," 1963)

In other words: Stand firm in your values, especially when it’s difficult. Whether it’s speaking out against injustice or supporting someone who’s struggling, true character shows in how you act when you find yourself between a rock and a hard place. Staying consistent is hard but fulfilling work, making you a better person and the world around you a better place.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase."

Have a big goal but feel overwhelmed? Take that first small step, even if the path ahead seems unclear. Trust that the journey will unfold as you go. This applies to everything from personal dreams to advocating for change in your community.

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"

We can be good on our own, but we’re stronger together. Serving others when we can should be as regular as serving ourselves, so try to make fulfilling service a part of your daily life. Find what you’re passionate about and contribute to it in any way you can. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply being present for a friend, contributing to others’ well-being can be a big source of joy.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

Listen, you already know this. Life will throw you a fair share of setbacks, whether you see them coming or not. You can’t let hardships define your outlook or negatively impact your values. Try to use disappointment or failure as a learning experience and hold onto hope. There will come a time when you will be on the other side of those hardships and you’ll be grateful for what you learned and how you handled them.

"The time is always right to do what is right."

(From his Oberlin College commencement address, 1965)

This is your sign to stop waiting for the “perfect” moment to take action about anything that you’ve been meaning to do. Whether it’s apologizing, helping someone, or addressing an issue in your community, start today and do the right thing now.

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

Oh, this is a big one. It’s very easy to hold on to negative feelings like anger and resentment, especially when we’ve been slighted. The thing about holding grudges is that they drain you. They don’t affect the other person whatsoever. Choosing love for yourself will free you from that burden and set you up for better things ahead.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s words are as powerful today as they were decades ago. By integrating his wisdom into your life, you can become a more compassionate, courageous, and impactful person. This MLK Day, don’t just read his quotes, apply them to the way you live your life.