MLK uses moral philosophy, especially drawing on St. Thomas Aquinas, to differentiate just and unjust laws. By grounding his argument in universal ethics rather than personal opinion, he justifies civil disobedience as a moral duty. This connects segregation not only to legal injustice but to spiritual and human harm, strengthening his claim that breaking unjust laws is actually an act of respect for true justice.

MLK draws on historical patterns to justify immediate action. He challenges the myth that the oppressed should “wait” for rights, noting that power rarely gives up privilege willingly. This sentence captures the moral urgency behind civil disobedience and reveals why African Americans could not accept gradualism or delay.

MLK explains that “tension” can be necessary. Without pressure, those in power avoid confronting injustice. By creating peaceful tension, the Civil Rights Movement made problems visible so they couldn’t be ignored. King isn’t supporting violence—he’s using nonviolent pressure to spark real conversation and change.