You are commanded to do that; that is the length of life.

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Source: The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life (1960)

About this quote

In The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life (1960), King uses a focused ethical claim to examine life, with attention to commanded, length. The practical center is the relationship between wisdom and commanded and length, giving readers a specific lens for judgment and action.

When to use it

  • A community organizer builds a meeting around commanded before participants choose one measurable action related to life.
  • A teacher pairs the passage from The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life (1960) with a primary-source exercise about wisdom and public responsibility.
  • A team leader uses the tension between length and length to discuss conduct under pressure.