March from Selma, 1965 Quotes

Context

This line was spoken by Martin Luther King, Jr., during the march from Selma (1965).

During the historic march from Selma in 1965, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., gave an equally historic speech. When asked, "How long will justice be crucified, and truth bear it?" (okay, he asked himself,but still), he responded, "Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." In other words, the struggle for civil rights is worth it, because it will eventually reach a positive conclusion.

It's important to note that, while King popularized this quote, he didn't conceive it. The quote originated with nineteenth-century abolitionist Theodore Parker. Martin Luther King, Jr.: civil rights champion, potential plagiarist. (Always cite your sources, Shmoopers.)

Where you've heard it

You've heard this on Martin Luther King Day, the anniversary of the historic march from Selma, or if you've ever set foot in the Oval Office, where President Obama had the quote put on a rug.

Additional Notable References:

• Arc of the Universe (blog)

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

This is an inspiring, optimistic, hopeful quote, though a little highfalutin'… just cite your sources correctly, people. MLK could have used our video on citation methods.