In his pursuit of equality for African Americans and the social and economic rights of all people, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the supreme instigator of change.

Because of his refusal to obey unjust laws, and his ability to stir things up, he was, as I said at the time, a “rabble rouser.” No person could enter a town, stage an event, or create more upheaval than he could. Nothing he touched was ever the same again. And because of that, America is a better country.

But Dr. King’s incredible efforts came at an enormous personal price. Crosses were burned on his yard. His home was bombed. His phone lines were tapped by the U.S. government. He was kicked, punched and stabbed. He was mocked and ridiculed,and thrown into jail.

What was truly inspirational was the way that this man of God answered his critics and their abuse. “Don’t ever let anyone pull you so low as to hate them,” he told his followers: “We must have compassion and understanding for those who hate us.”

In his powerful “I Have A Dream” speech, he asked: “Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.”

Dr. King pursued his “Dream” by avoiding extreme or radical actions, especially violence. “The ultimate weakness of violence,” he explained, “is that it is a descending spiral .... Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that,” he said.

Such an approach to the hostile opposition he was encountering might seem naive, or even foolish, but Dr. King was neither. While an idealist, he was an idealist without illusion. He knew the path he had chosen would be rough and tumultuous. But, as he said, “Even though we face difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a Dream.”

Martin Luther King’s efforts resulted in the most important and sweeping social transformations in American history, and he did it without firing a shot!

For his efforts, Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. A national holiday was established in his honor and soon a monument will be constructed on the National Mall in his honor.

We should all heed the wisdom of Dr. King to “conduct our struggle(s) on the high plane of dignity and discipline.” Given the heated political climate of today, adhering to these words would be a true testament to the life of this great American.