There are often multiple sources for some famous statements by King; as a professional speaker and minister he used some significant phrases with only slight variation many times in his essays, books, and his speeches to different audiences.

In some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.

Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed; We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal

Lord help me to see M. L. King as M. L. King in his true perspective.

Returning violence for violence multiplies violence... Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.

Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars...

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.

Mother Dear, one day I'm going to turn this world upside down." --From My Brother Martin, by Christine King Farris