Agape Love and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Quinn Takei
Jan 19
3 min read

For those of you who are clients or have been reading some of my writings in this newsletter may know I arrived at the practice of holistic medicine in an indirect way. I did not begin this journey with a passion for the sciences, medicine, or health care. The path that brought me to do what I do at this time actually began with philosophy.

I did not study philosophy for all the wonderful employment opportunities, but more as an attempt to understand myself, life, knowledge, meaning. and other fun stuff like that. Long story short, along the way, I became very interested in Eastern philosophy, which ultimately evolved into Eastern medicine and then functional medicine. Had I been told at the time of studying philosophy, religion, and humanities during my undergraduate degree that this would ultimately evolve into a practice of natural medicine and science, I said, No way! Impossible. No chance. I now see how this is a foundational part of my practice of medicine and who I am today.

During these undergraduate studies, I also delved into the philosophy and writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A key tenet in the beliefs and actions of Martin Luther King, Jr. was that of agape love. Agape love is a Greek term meaning self-giving, unconditional love that seeks the good of another without expecting anything in return. It is love chosen as a way of being, not a feeling dependent on attraction, agreement, or reward. Dr. King often referred to agape love for all people, including opponents, not because they are likable, but because their dignity is inherent. Agape love does not excuse injustice or avoid truth; instead, it confronts wrongdoing while refusing to dehumanize the wrongdoer. Agape is disciplined, courageous, and active. This is expressed through forgiveness, service, and a commitment to justice. Agape love is love with a moral backbone. Agape love is love that walks the walk and not just talks the talk. It is steadfast, demanding, and transformative not only for the individual, but for our collective society.

At a time of deep racial divides and violence during the fight for civil rights, Martin Luther King Jr. showed that moral courage rooted in love can confront injustice without becoming what it opposes. (Seriously think about that.) During this time of political turbulence and coordinated oppression, he insisted that change must transform both laws and hearts, refusing hatred even when hatred was justified by suffering. King challenged power, comfort, and silencenot just on one side, but across societycalling people to a higher standard of conscience over convenience. Dr. King's philosophy insisted upon truth without cruelty, resistance without dehumanization, and justice guided by love.

This is a powerful message.

This is a message backed with non-violent resistance, even when the opposition was violent, cruel, and dehumanizing.

This message was a significant driving force in the civil rights movement.

On this day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I invite you to reflect on these quotes by Dr. King.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.Letter from Birmingham Jail, 1963

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.Strength to Love, 1963

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.Speech at St. Louis, 1964

The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.Speech at Selma, 1965

Love is not emotional bosh; it is not empty sentimentalism. Love is the active outpouring of one's whole being into the being of another.Strength to Love, 1963

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.Speech, 1967

Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe?Expediency asks the question: Is it politic?Vanity asks the question: Is it popular?But conscience asks the question: Is it right?Speech, 1968

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Speech, 1965

We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.Where Do We Go from Here?, 1967

True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.Stride Toward Freedom, 1957

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.Strength to Love, 1963

And

Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.Where Do We Go from Here?, 1967

Thank you for reading.

Article by Quinn Akira Takei, Doctor of Oriental Medicine(NM), Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist, Functional Medicine Practitioner, and Holistic Health & Wellness Coach.