King believed in nonviolent resistance both as a tactic and as a
philosophy--both as means and end:
". . . the nonviolent approach does something to the hearts and
souls of those committed to it. It gives them new self-respect.
It calls up resources of strength and courage that they did not
know they had. Finally, it so stirs the conscience of the
opponent that reconciliation becomes a reality."
On the philosophical level, King said that nonviolent resistance
was the key to building a new world. Throughout history, man had
met violence with violence and hate with hate. He believed that
only nonviolence and love could break this eternal cycle of
revenge and retaliation. It was his hope that the Negro, through
utilizing the philosophy of nonviolent resistance, could help to
bring about the birth of a new day. To King, nonviolent
resistance implied that the resister must love his enemy:
"When we allow the spark of revenge in our souls to flame up in
hate toward our enemies, Jesus teaches, 'Love your enemies, bless
them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for
them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
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