is one of the most influential people of this century. King is not a great figure in history just because he is famous; he is great because he served the cause of peace and justice for all humans. King is best remembered for his humanity, leadership and his love of his fellow man regardless of their skin color. This presence of strong moral values developed King’s character, which enabled him to become one of the most influential leaders of our time. Through reading I Have a Dream – Writings and Speeches that Changed the World, we learn that his values of integrity, love, truth, fairness, caring, non-violence, and peace were what motivated him to greatness. Integrity is a central value in a leader’s character and it is through integrity that King had vision of the truth. The truth that one-day this nation would live up to the creed, “all men are created equal”. No man contributed more to the great progress of blacks during the 1950’s and 1960’s than Martin Luther King, Jr. He was brought up believing “one man can make a difference”, and this is just what he did. Integrity has a large effect on what we think, say, and do. It is because of King’s thoughts and actions so many people put their trust and faith in him. King believed that America, the most powerful and richest nation in the world, would lead the way to a revolution of the mind. This revolution will change the way society views itself, shifting from a materialistic society to a spiritual society. When this occurs, King believed that racism could be conquered. King’s unconditional love for all humans was another value that strongly influenced his character. King described his meaning of love in one of his many speeches, “A Time to Break Silence”:“When I speak of love I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak response. I am speaking of that force which all of the great religions...
