Before we went on any protest, whether it was sit-ins or the freedom rides or any march, we prepared ourselves, and we were disciplined. We were committed to the way of peace - the way of non-violence - the way of love - the way of life as the way of living.

In this quote, John Lewis reflects on the preparation and discipline that were essential to the civil rights protests he participated in, such as sit-ins, freedom rides, and marches. He emphasizes that before engaging in any form of protest, they made sure to prepare themselves, ensuring that they were not only physically ready but also mentally and morally committed to the cause. Lewis points out the importance of being disciplined, a quality that was essential for maintaining the integrity and focus of their efforts during these intense and sometimes dangerous activities.

The quote also highlights non-violence, a core principle of the civil rights movement, which was championed by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. Lewis and other activists were dedicated to fighting against racial injustice through peaceful means, rejecting violence as a method of resistance. By aligning themselves with the principles of peace, love, and non-violence, they sought to demonstrate that their struggle for freedom and equality was not just a political movement, but a deeply moral and spiritual cause.

By mentioning the way of life as the way of living, Lewis suggests that their commitment to non-violence was not just a tactic for the protests, but a guiding philosophy for life. This approach allowed the movement to stand in contrast to the hate and violence they were fighting against, positioning love and peace as powerful tools for social and political change. It was a way of living that sought to embody the very values they were advocating for—justice, equality, and human dignity.

Ultimately, this quote from John Lewis captures the essence of the civil rights movement’s commitment to peaceful resistance and moral clarity. The discipline and preparation they put into each protest ensured that their actions were not just reactive but carefully considered acts of moral courage, grounded in non-violence and a belief in the transformative power of love.