Books Quote by John Lewis
“I remember back in the 1960s - late '50s, really - reading a comic book called 'Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery Story.' Fourteen pages. It sold for 10 cents. And this little book inspired me to attend non-violence workshops, to study about Gandhi, about Thoreau, to study Martin Luther King, Jr., to study civil disobedience.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: John Lewis at Civil Rights Memorial, 2010
A small, inexpensive comic inspired lifelong commitment to non‑violent activism and study of historic leaders.
In simple terms: A tiny book sparked big activism.
Key Takeaway
Seek inspiration in modest sources.
Themes
activism
education
history
Mood
determined
motivational
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- reading
- community organizing
- peaceful protest
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
civil rights
non‑violence
inspiration
Questions to Reflect On
- What small thing has shaped your path?
- How can you turn inspiration into action?
A Different Perspective
Not all books have such impact; personal drive matters.
![“I went on to write my graduate thesis on the ["Montgomery Story"] comic book itself. It was the first long-form history that was ever written about it. And it's how I found out Martin Luther King actually helped edit "Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story."” quote by Andrew Aydin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c4/andrew-aydin-21143_book_i-went-on-to-write-my-graduate-thesis-on_758327.jpg)
![“I met Rosa Parks when I was 17. I met Dr. [Martin Luther] King when I was 18. These two individuals inspired me to find a way to get in the way, to get in trouble. So I got in good trouble, necessary trouble.” quote by John Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/446/john-lewis-1310_dr-martin-luther-kin_i-met-rosa-parks-when-i-was-17-i-met-dr_936190.jpg)
![“I happen to believe that this election year [2016] is...one of the most important elections that we're going to face in a very long time. I know we hear from time to time that every election is important. This one is very, very important.” quote by John Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0da/john-lewis-1310_believe_i-happen-to-believe-that-this-election-y_49319.jpg)
![“[Donald Trump's inauguration] will be the first one that I miss since I've been in Congress. You cannot be at home with something that you feel that is wrong, is not right.” quote by John Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0ea/john-lewis-1310_congress_donald-trump-s-inauguration-will-be-the_81588.jpg)
