How Did Martin Luther King Contribute To Humanism

Humanism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the personal worth of the individual and the importance of human values (Friedman & Schustack, 2012, p.290). This approach emphasizes the special active and aware quality of human beings. Maslow believed that each person seeks to grow psychologically and continuously improving themselves. This leads to the term self-actualization, which is the innate process by which one tends to grow spiritually and realize ones potential (Friedman & Schustack, 2012, p.301). Maslow studied many personalities of people who he considered to be healthy, creative and productive. In his personalities he found that many shared similar characteristics such as being open, loving and compassionate, a concern for

was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. King, both a Baptist minister and civil-rights activist was spiritually fulfilled and comfortable with himself and others. He was loving, creative, realistic and productive. Maslow would say that Martin Luther King Jr. lived a very successful and productive life that made extraordinary use of his potential. He devoted his life in achieving civil rights for all people. He did not need to conform to the opinions of others because he was very confident and therefore he was free to express unpopular opinions. Dr. King fought for equality even when all odds were against him. He fought for equality even though it meant risking his safety. Once Dr. King realized his full potential he knew he was capable of changing the world. His compassion, forgiving and nonviolent demeanor helped him reach his self-actualization. Dr. King knew that his dream of equality was more important than the status quo. Dr. King never accepted that just because things were a certain way in his time, that is was the correct way. He never accepted the injustice that was happening around him and thus chose to change his fate and the fate of others like him. Dr. Kings capacity for personal growth, his development for potential and the freedom he had in choosing his destiny exemplify the humanistic idea of