We are all part of one race – the human race, which is by definition all people in the world considered as a single group. But because of physical traits, social distinction, differences in history, culture, and language, we divided the human race into many segments. Such division caused unending conflicts that led to injustices, inequalities, violence, even fatalities.
In order to put an end to one such racial divide, one prominent figure came to rise, Martin Luther King Jr. As a great orator himself, King delivered a number of speeches, some of those included the prominent quote:
“We must all learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
WHERE DOES THE QUOTE COME FROM?
King was an effective communicator. It was in his speeches and sermons where he affirmed and highlighted his fight against racial segregation. The quote comes up in one of speeches King wrote. It was entitled “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution” which has had several versions and modifications. One version of his speech goes as follow:
“The geographical togetherness of the modern world makes our very existence dependent on co-existence. We must all learn to live together as brothers or we will all perish together as fools. Because of our involvement in humanity we must be concerned about every human being.“
The following is a short list of the sermons and events where King used the speech and the quote;
- 1959 Morehouse College Commencement, Atlanta Georgia
- 1961 Detroit Council of Churches, Michigan
- 1965 Oberlin College, Ohio
- 1968 National Cathedral, Washington DC
The last one was one of the last sermons King did before his assassination.
Although King did not deliver exactly the same speeches, he made sure that the purpose he is fighting for – racial equality, was constantly heard.
WHO WAS MARTIN LUTHER KING
Martin Luther King Jr. or MLK was an African-American Baptist minister and activist born in 1929. He advanced the civil rights for people of color in the United States by organizing nonviolent protests. King particularly pushed for the right to vote, desegregation, and labor rights. He eventually won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his fight against racial inequality. Unfortunately, four years later, he was assassinated.
Nonetheless, King led movements that influenced US legislators to pass laws that prohibit discrimination. He also inspired activists in other countries to push for similar movements and advocacies. Yet despite his strong leadership, preeminence, and the support from liberal leaders, King decided against running for US presidency. He insisted that his first calling was always being a preacher of the Gospel. That is why, King would include biblical references in his speeches or public discourse. He also emphasized that the civil rights he is fighting for, is a part of his duty as a minister.
WHAT IS the meaning of the quote
The quote means one thing, if we cannot treat others as someone we care about, we will keep getting entangled into constant feuds and battles and it will be harder for us to survive in this already complex world. On the contrary, when we start to show more compassion towards one another. We become more forgiving and empathetic. Having a familial bond can make us more open-minded and accepting of difference of opinions. While striving to being kind doesn’t always guarantee unity and peace, it is still the best possible option we have left to avoid pointless wars, bloodshed, chaos and misery.
HOW TO LIVE TOGETHER IN PEACE
Living together in peace is perhaps one of the most challenging social issues we’ve had since God knows when. For instance, the family which is considered the basic unit of society can still breed conflict and resentment. Our long years of friendships can end because of a simple misunderstanding. And, relationships with people at work are tainted because of conflicting personal interests. Truly, it is just so hard to be at peace with everyone. As a matter of fact, the United Nations even had to declare an International Day of Living Together in Peace in order to promote peace across the globe. So how then can we have a better living condition for ourselves and for others?
1. By respecting differences.
Ethnicity, gender, language, religion, political views, financial status have obviously divided and categorized us, humans. But that should not mean acting hostile towards one another or feeling superior above the other. How monotonous life would be if we were all the same. We must learn and understand that differences open opportunities for progress and development. The world is becoming more diverse, if our mindset is confined within our own beliefs, we are clearly hindering peace to prevail.
2. By working together.
When we work for a common goal or a common interest, we can create and protect peace. If all of us advocate for peace, we can make this world a better place for us and for the generations to come. Let us settle conflicts within the family. Let us organize community events that foster camaraderie. Let us be accountable to one another in order to live peacefully.
HOW CIVIL OPEN DISCOURSE CAN HELP US ACHIEVE PEACE
Martin Luther King Jr. was able to influence hundreds and thousands of people. He communicated his advocacies well. He accepted invitations to social events that would allow him to get his message across. He has always advocated for dialogues as a means to push his movement. He was deliberate but he always refused violence. And that is what civil discourse is all about. It is the idea of building a better understanding with one another without having to engage in violent outbursts.
Yet compared to MLK’s time, we now have social media platforms where we can connect, communicate, and discuss with each other quickly and easily. So let us use our platforms responsibly by encouraging healthy arguments on social issues. We don’t necessarily have to agree with those whose views oppose us. But we are allowing ourselves to listen to somebody’s standpoint. In this way, we will learn about different perspectives that may eventually help solve recurrent problems.
It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it.
And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.Eleanor Roosevelt