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I remember back in the 1960s - late '50s, really - reading a comic book called 'Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery Story.' Fourteen pages. It sold for 10 cents. And this little book inspired me to attend non-violence workshops, to study about Gandhi, about Thoreau, to study Martin Luther King, Jr., to study civil disobedience.
John Lewis
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects how a simple story can inspire significant personal and social change through non-violent action.

John Lewis shares a personal anecdote about how a comic book he encountered inspired him to engage deeply with ideas of non-violence and civil disobedience, leading to a lifelong commitment to social justice. This illustrates the powerful impact that literature and stories can have on individuals, motivating them to pursue important causes and instigate change in society.

Themes

InspirationNon-ViolenceCivil RightsChangeEducation

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech on the power of education and its ability to drive social change.

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