We must complain. Yes, plain, blunt complaint, ceaseless agitation, unfailing exposure of dishonesty and wrong - this is the ancient, unerring way to liberty and we must follow it.

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There can be no perfect democracy curtailed by color, race, or poverty. But with all we accomplish all, even peace.

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Oppression costs the oppressor too much if the oppressed stands up and protests. The protest need not be merely physical-the throwing of stones and bullets-if it is mental, spiritual; if it expresses itself in silent, persistent dissatisfaction, the cost to the oppressor is terrific.

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Strive for that greatness of spirit that measures life not by its disappointments but by its possibilities.

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I am especially glad of the divine gift of laughter: it has made the world human and lovable, despite all its pain and wrong.

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I believe in Liberty for all men: the space to stretch their arms and their souls; the right to breathe and the right to vote, the freedom to choose their friends, enjoy the sunshine, and ride on the railroads, uncursed by color; thinking, dreaming, working as they will in a kingdom of beauty and love.

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Nothing in the world is easier in the United States than to accuse a black man of crime.

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Unfortunately there was one thing that the white South feared more than Negro dishonesty, ignorance, and incompetency, and that was Negro honesty, knowledge, and efficiency.

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A man does not look behind the door unless he has stood there himself

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We cannot escape the clear fact that what is going to win in this world is reason, if this ever becomes a reasonable world.

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