MLK: 3 Lessons We Must Learn
Hey friends,
Thank you to everyone who joined in our discussion on Friday about racial equality. If you missed it you can find the discussion here. There were some really cool ideas put forward and I look forward to the topic of aesthetics which we will discuss this Friday.
In continued support of the black lives matter movement, I thought that this week I would research one of the most influential leaders in the civil rights movement.
Martin Luther King was an American Christian minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement in the 1950s.
King is best known for advancing civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience, inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi.
Besides the obvious lessons that we can learn from Dr. King with regard to standing up against injustice, there are three other important lessons that we can learn either for activism or our professional lives.
Persevere
MLK’s dream did not come about straight away. In fact, throughout the civil rights movement, he faced countless setbacks and moments of failure. He was arrested, his house was burned and he was stabbed. But this did not stop him.
Most projects and causes will mean that you face serious challenges and consider stopping at various points. Sometimes there is a need to quit. But keep in mind what MLK and the rest of the civil rights was able to do in spite of its setbacks.
MLK dedicated his life to the civil rights movement. Without the efforts of King and many others who knows what America and the Western world might look like today. Not only will you face setbacks but you will have to work very hard at many points if you really want to do something great.
We can learn from MLK that sometimes change needs a few dedicated individuals to persevere.
Change Happens (and faster than many people think)
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character”
At the time when the civil rights movement began the idea that laws that discriminated based on race would be abolished probably seemed crazy to many people. Racism was a normal part of American society for nearly as long as America had existed.
But the status quo changed. Attitudes towards race have changed dramatically in America. While recent events have shown us that racism is not dead many Americans alive today remember an era in which segregation was legal.
MLK’s story is proof that change can happen faster than many people think.
Find Where You Can Give
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’
In times that are as stressful and chaotic as they are right now it becomes very difficult to focus on anyone but ourselves. But you’ll be surprised what a difference helping others can make.
The science behind this is also fascinating. When you are purposefully kind towards someone else, the same area of your brain lights up as if you are the receiver of the kindness. So it seems that kindness has the same effect on the mental health of both the giver and the receiver of that kindness.
Imagine a world where everyone was kind to one another. Where everyone gave what they could. Where charities had enough resources. That would make the absurdity and strangeness of being a human a little bit better wouldn’t it?
MLK worked hard and persevered throughout his life until his assassination in 1968. We can learn from him that through some hard work and a lot of kindness and giving, there is possibility for huge change.
In case you missed it: Aristotle: 3 Habits That Will Help You Flourish
Bonus thinker: Kierkegaard: In Search Of Self-Knowledge
Thanks for reading, it means a lot. It takes a while to research and write these newsletters so please make sure two people you like see it. Make sure they benefit from my research too!
Take care, stay safe.
Jack.
