Inspiration from Dr. King

As Martin Luther King Day approaches, I must take a moment to inspire action in all of us, by using some of my favorite quotes from one of the most intelligent men and gifted orators that ever lived:

#5. A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.
First things first, you have to stand for something. Figure out what makes your blood boil or what makes you cry or what causes you to rise from your slumber and then ask yourself why you care so much. In your answer, you may find your life’s calling or at the very least discover a cause that is worth living for.

#4. A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.
Once you have found your passion, do not be afraid to take action. Be bold and courageous and effect the masses.

#3. Means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek.
Now that you have begun this pursuit, there is no turning back. It will be difficult, but that does not mean you cut corners, bend rules, or take performance enhancing drugs. You may want to throw in the towel at many points in this struggle or even worse, you may think about taking the easy way out. Let Dr. King’s words remind you in these moments to press on with integrity and conviction.

#2. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.
The mark of excellence is reached by few in life simply because they forget the dignity and importance that comes along with their struggle. Do not let mediocrity happen to you. Allow the passion to continue to ignite your best effort.

#1. Whatever your life’s work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.
When you have reached the end of the struggle, and you look back on the accomplishment, may you say it was worth it for those who fought along with you and for those to come that may know nothing of your fight.