"If I wish to compose or write or pray or preach well, I must be angry. Then all the blood in my veins is stirred, and my understanding is sharpened." "I have a dream, that my four little children will grow up in a nation where they will not judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." "A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan." "Jesus gave me the message, Gandhi showed me the method" (referring to Mahatma Gandhi and his non-violence). In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silense of our friends. [from his final speech, 3 April 1968] "We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything! I'm not fearing any man! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!" "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."