Acquiescence Quote by Martin Luther King, Jr
“The way of acquiescence leads to moral and spiritual suicide. The way of violence leads to bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers. But, the way of nonviolence leads to redemption and the creation of the beloved community.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence", 1967
Choosing nonviolence builds a compassionate community, while acquiescence harms the soul and violence harms all involved.
In simple terms: Nonviolence creates community; acquiescence and violence destroy.
Key Takeaway
Embrace nonviolent principles.
Themes
ethics
peace
community
spirituality
social justice
Mood
hopeful
determined
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
ethical
When to use this quote
- activism
- conflict resolution
- community building
- personal growth
Key Concepts
nonviolence
moral philosophy
spiritual health
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice nonviolence when anger arises?
- What does a “beloved community” look like to you?
A Different Perspective
Nonviolence can be difficult to practice in the face of oppression.
![“[The purpose of a written constitution is] to bind up the several branches of government by certain laws, which, when they transgress, their acts shall become nullities; to render unnecessary an appeal to the people, or in other words a rebellion, on every infraction of their rights, on the peril…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/867/thomas-jefferson-43_acquiescence_the-purpose-of-a-written-constitution-is_244689.jpg)
