Martin Luther King, Jr.: 'I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.'

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

In Martin Luther King, Jr.'s powerful quote, "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear," he brilliantly encapsulates the essence of his fight for civil rights and equality. This quote speaks to the enduring power of love and its ability to overcome the destructive forces of hate. By summarizing his belief in such a straightforward manner, King emphasizes the significance of choosing love over hate.Love, as King suggests, is a force that can empower individuals and communities to rise above the challenges they face. It breeds connection, understanding, and compassion, ultimately dismantling the barriers that divide us. By choosing to embrace love, we actively reject the divisive nature of hate, which only amplifies these barriers and perpetuates a perpetual cycle of negativity and conflict.But what if there is more to this quote than meets the eye? What if King's assertion represents not only a powerful sentiment but also a broader philosophical concept? Enter the philosophy of existentialism.Existentialism is a philosophical school of thought that contends that individuals are responsible for their own actions and have the power to shape their own lives. It emphasizes the importance of choice and personal freedom. In this context, King's quote takes on a deeper meaning - the choice to stick with love becomes a profound existential decision.Existentialism argues that humans exist first and then define themselves through their actions and choices. By choosing love, King exemplifies the existentialist belief in personal responsibility and the active creation of one's own values. He refuses to let hate dictate his path, instead opting for an approach grounded in love, justice, and equality.But why is hate referred to as a burden to bear? Hate consumes our energy and fills our hearts with negativity and bitterness. It confines us to a limited perspective, hindering personal growth and inhibiting our ability to connect with others. Hate weighs us down, both individually and collectively, preventing us from moving forward and building a more harmonious society.King's words remind us that hate hinders progress, creating divisions and perpetuating injustice. Love, on the other hand, nurtures growth, fosters unity, and fuels transformative change. It invites individuals to empathize with one another and seek solutions that benefit the whole community, rather than just a select few.In today's world, where hatred and animosity often dominate the public discourse, King's message remains a beacon of hope and an invitation to cultivate love within ourselves and our communities. It challenges us to examine our own biases and prejudices, and to commit to a more compassionate and inclusive outlook.Ultimately, King's message is a call to action - a call to reject the burden of hate and actively choose love as a way to dismantle systems of oppression and strife. It reminds us that love is not a passive sentiment, but an active force for change and progress.As we reflect on King's words, let us draw inspiration from his unwavering commitment to love. Let us reevaluate our own actions and choices, and strive to create a world where love triumphs over hate. For as King so eloquently reminds us, "Hate is too great a burden to bear," and it is in love that we find the strength to build a brighter and more just future for all.