“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”
- January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968
- African American
- Pastor and civil rights leader
- He led the movement to abolish racial discrimination in the United States and contributed to the establishment of the Civil Rights Act
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Quote
“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”
Explanation
In this quote, King envisions a world where injustices and inequalities are leveled and where all people experience freedom, dignity, and unity. Drawing from biblical language, he speaks of a future where obstacles (“rough places”) are removed, and differences (“every hill and mountain”) are evened, allowing everyone to stand together in equality. King’s imagery reflects his profound hope for a society where the divine values of justice and love prevail, bringing unity and peace for all humanity.
King’s words, delivered in his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, are both a call for social transformation and an expression of faith. He believed that true justice could only be achieved when all barriers—whether racial, economic, or social—are removed, creating a world where people are judged by their character and not by external attributes. King’s vision is deeply rooted in the belief that this unity and equality align with divine will, promising that one day all people will share in this common humanity and divine purpose.
Today, King’s message serves as a timeless aspiration for a just and inclusive society. His words encourage us to work toward a world where everyone, regardless of background, is valued and uplifted. King’s vision challenges us to address and dismantle inequalities and injustices, creating a path toward unity and shared purpose. His profound hope for a future where “all flesh shall see it together” inspires us to work collectively, knowing that each step toward equality and justice brings us closer to a world where everyone can stand together in peace and harmony.
