Quotation by

Martin Luther King, Jr.

One who breaks an unjust law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.

Respect

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Martin Luther King, Jr. is saying that deliberately disobeying a law you believe is unfair, while accepting the punishment, shows a deep commitment to justice and the moral principles behind true law.

More by this author

All quotes by Martin Luther King, Jr. →

More quotes about Respect

See all →

An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in …

Everyone should be respected as an individual, but no one idolized.

Let every man be respected as an individual and no man idolized.

Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.

If once you forfeit the confidence of your fellow-citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem.

I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.