The Meaning of the Arc

The first use of this social justice metaphor is attributed to Theodore Parker, a 19th century abolitionist, Unitarian minister, transcendentalist and progressive Christian.

He said, “I do not pretend to understand the moral universe, the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways. I can calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. But from what I see, I am sure it bends toward justice.”

Of course the most famous use of Parker’s words are a paraphrase by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the historic march from Selma in 1965. In his speech that day, Dr. King rhetorically asked, “How long will justice be crucified, and truth bear it?” His answer was, “Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Dr. King’s meaning, as most interpret it, was that the struggle for civil rights is worth the effort because it will eventually reach a positive conclusion.

I humbly used a derivative of the quote as the title of my book. In doing so, my intent was to suggest — as Dr. King did with his life and words — that the arc will not fully bend on its own. It needs active help from all of us.

For an excellent example of this kind of active help, please see The Kindness Corps.