Lessons from Martin Luther King Jr.
I am guilty of using national holidays as an excuse to run errands, do an extra yoga class and lounge. However, now that I have a daughter (who is just about to turn EIGHT, by the way! How is that possible?), I am motivated to teach her the valuable life lessons & values that come with these national holidays, including today, Martin Luther King Jr. day.
Below is a beautiful piece that illuminates some poignant ideas about the impact & legacy of MLK. These lessons will make for inspiring dinner conversation in our home!
What Dr. King’s Words Teach Us About Our Humanity:
Ten Lessons from Penina Rybak
- “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Our humanity thrives on instilling a sense of purpose into all that we do.
- “The function of education is to teach one to think intensely and to think critically.” Our humanity thrives on learning about ourselves & about others, for ourselves and for others.
- “You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.” Our humanity thrives on clear, concise, and deliberate calls to action.
- “Our loyalties must transcend our race, our class…We must develop a world perspective.” Our humanity thrives on collaboration and color-blind civic engagement with others.
- “The ultimate measure of a man is where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Our humanity thrives on self actualization and embracing change, especially during difficult times.
- “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Our humanity thrives on continuously changing our mindsets and behavior.
- “If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. Do whatever you have to to keep moving forward.” Our humanity thrives on breaking down tasks to keep momentum going.
- “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” Our humanity thrives on doing the best we can, always.
- “The time is always right to do what is right.” Our humanity thrives on harnessing time and doing the right thing, for the greater good.
- “The quality, not the longevity of one’s life is what’s important.” Our humanity thrives on balancing Me/We and work/life for a better quality of life and a more meaningful legacy to leave behind.