King Jr Individualism

Improved Essays
Imagine a world comprised of objects whose solitary ability is to breath in and out in order to remain alive. A world where empathy, personal relationships, and benefiting the greater good are foreign concepts. Staying alive is opposing death, but living is embracing life to the fullest. Living is risking everything for a plight larger than one’s own. Martin Luther King Jr. was willing to endure violent attacks, vicious threats , and risk his life for the possibility of an America where race did not affect equality. Dr. King did not merely state, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity”, his courageous actions conveyed the message.
This quote represents an ideal that every individual should espouse. It drives a person to question the importance of their own “individualistic concerns” compared to more widespread issues. People are constantly consumed by their own minor struggles, while ignoring the serious problems that are ripping through society. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inspiring words motivate “confine[d]” individuals to step outside their comfort zone and change the world by confronting paramount issues like segregation.
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Dr. King’s words convey that living is not found within an individual, but discovered through the destruction of obstacles, the creation of new friendships, and an appreciation for the plights of others. Viewing the world through a one perspective lens restricts an individual from seeing the rawest parts. However, remaining open-minded means voyaging down a grueling path and sacrificing individual concerns for the greater good. Martin Luther King Jr. was willing to venture down this strenuous route in hopes that equality would be the light at the end of the dark and dangerous

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