Today, in anticipation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I want to celebrate an essay that ought to be referenced more often. “Pilgrimage to Nonviolence” was first published in 1960 in The Christian Century as part of the series “How My Mind Has Changed.” It is my favorite of all of Dr. King’s writings because it hews so closely to my own intellectual journey. And part of me wishes that someone would commission a similar series now, in our branding-addled age, when the whole world seems to be afflicted by what Dr. King styles as a “dogmatic slumber.”
Thanks for this thoughtful essay, Joshua. This is a great prompt for reflection: “How out of place a ‘Make Love, Not War’ placard would be at one of today’s rallies, which are driven more by anger, even hatred, than by any abiding belief in reconciliation.” We are so fractured and atomized now, I wonder how a voice like Dr King’s could even break through. His rhetoric and presence were so galvanizing. Today, the only character who seems to inspire such loyalty is the polar opposite in every way. On another note, your description that, flawed as we are, humans can better ourselves reminds me of Buddhist teachings. Especially the many benefits of meditation practice. “Don’t believe everything you think.”
Are we more fractured and atomized now, or is that how it seems to us? This thought surely isn't original to me, but when Trump was first elected, a lot of privileged people understood for the first time what it felt like to lack representation. Some institutions were more intact in the 1960s, but that doesn't mean someone like MLK felt represented by them or saw the world as less fractured. I'm sure he wondered if his voice could break through.
I hear echoes of the 60s in our time. Arguments for and against Vietnam broke some families apart. Young people (like my parents) abandoned conventional definitions of career and prosperity. Some of those same people are now conservatives.
I don't mean to reiterate the point, but if King and Gandhi were alive, would they see our moment any differently? Did they feel that they had more of a voice than we do?
Good point / question. I guess I'm thinking of media -- back then, there were three channels where everyone got their news, and local papers were the trusted sources of information. Not to say they weren't biased (though they claimed not to be), but the number of sources was far fewer than what's on social media now. Where my mind goes -- maybe all this decentralization is for the best, and we would do well to focus most of our energies locally, where we can work with our actual neighbors.
Excellent essay Joshua. I read MLK's essay some years ago but I appreciate the reminder. You have given me some great reading to digest today. All the best.
Thanks for this thoughtful essay, Joshua. This is a great prompt for reflection: “How out of place a ‘Make Love, Not War’ placard would be at one of today’s rallies, which are driven more by anger, even hatred, than by any abiding belief in reconciliation.” We are so fractured and atomized now, I wonder how a voice like Dr King’s could even break through. His rhetoric and presence were so galvanizing. Today, the only character who seems to inspire such loyalty is the polar opposite in every way. On another note, your description that, flawed as we are, humans can better ourselves reminds me of Buddhist teachings. Especially the many benefits of meditation practice. “Don’t believe everything you think.”
Are we more fractured and atomized now, or is that how it seems to us? This thought surely isn't original to me, but when Trump was first elected, a lot of privileged people understood for the first time what it felt like to lack representation. Some institutions were more intact in the 1960s, but that doesn't mean someone like MLK felt represented by them or saw the world as less fractured. I'm sure he wondered if his voice could break through.
I hear echoes of the 60s in our time. Arguments for and against Vietnam broke some families apart. Young people (like my parents) abandoned conventional definitions of career and prosperity. Some of those same people are now conservatives.
I don't mean to reiterate the point, but if King and Gandhi were alive, would they see our moment any differently? Did they feel that they had more of a voice than we do?
Good point / question. I guess I'm thinking of media -- back then, there were three channels where everyone got their news, and local papers were the trusted sources of information. Not to say they weren't biased (though they claimed not to be), but the number of sources was far fewer than what's on social media now. Where my mind goes -- maybe all this decentralization is for the best, and we would do well to focus most of our energies locally, where we can work with our actual neighbors.
It’s an open question. I do think activists have become more cynical, less idealistic, less open to those outside their bubbles.
This reference to his words, dogmatic slumber, sit with me even at the end of this piece. Thank you.
🙏🏻
Excellent essay Joshua. I read MLK's essay some years ago but I appreciate the reminder. You have given me some great reading to digest today. All the best.
Cheers! Glad it resonated.
Hi, I want to share this with my class on Monday. OK with you?
It would be a privilege to reach some younger readers. Please do!
Thanks Josh for bringing my attention to this MLK essay, which i hadn't read before.
Cheers -- it's a good one.