Memorable Quotes: Martin Luther King, on unarmed truth

January 19th, 2026

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Hugo van Gelderen / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

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“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”

-Martin Luther King

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Listen to the 1964 recording of Oliver Nelson performing his composition “Blues and the Abstract Truth.” [Universal Music Group]

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Other editions of Memorable Quotes

The Sunday Poem

More poetry on Jerry Jazz Musician

“The Sound of Becoming,” J.C. Michaels’ winning story in the 70th Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Contest

More short fiction on Jerry Jazz Musician

Information about how to submit your poetry or short fiction

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