I Have a Dream…
by An examination of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His focus on the equality of humankind raised the consciousness of the world. His philosophy embraced all of humanity and urged it to move toward the growth and expansion of all life.
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we will examine some of the quotes of the man who had a vision beyond hate and selfishness; human values that only look out for number one and don’t take others into account. In his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech, King stated, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’” Recognition of the other guy is the key to advancing our civilization. The recent outpouring of brotherhood towards the crisis in Haiti shows that humankind is moving from the selfishness of past attitudes into a new paradigm; where looking out for others is more important than it ever was. The link that exists between all humankind is our spirituality. It is a deeper understanding that we are all connected and made of the same Star Stuff (Carl Sagan). When we extend our humanity to all humankind, we are not only recognizing the value of others, but we are making it a priority as well.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort but where he stands at times of challenge and discovery.” In this modern age certain portions of humankind has gotten too comfortable. Creature comforts become too convenient and too important. The recent earthquake in Haiti has presented a true challenge to the world. The outpouring of support for the Haitian people has brought humankind to a point of self-discovery; a readjustment of our priorities and the emergence of an all-humanity inclusive paradigm.
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” Working together creatively with our humanity will afford us the benefit of a greater perspective on life; a perspective that recognizes and values the importance of community and peaceful relations. The personal ego will protect itself at all costs; even to the mutual demise of all concerned. Those who choose to live just for themselves are in store for a rue awakening. The world is a global community that is slowly but surely forcing out separatism. For us to rise up as a collective of humanity we must recognize the rights and responsibilities of our brothers and sisters; whether they have our characteristics and attributes or not.
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