10 uplifting speeches from history that will inspire you in times of crisis

Frank OlitoJan 9, 2021, 03:31 IST

Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches can still inspire today.AP

Throughout history, leaders have made speeches that inspired millions and changed the course of history. Those speeches still inspire us today.
Famous speeches like Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" and Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address still resonate today.
Lesser-known speeches like Hillary Clinton's "Human Rights Are Women's Rights" and Nora Ephron's commencement address are considered inspirational.

While history is no stranger to crises, there are always leaders who come forward to help usher in more hopeful times by crafting and delivering impactful speeches.

Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, and Maya Angelou have all delivered speeches that inspired millions - and some even changed the course of history.

Take a look back at some of the most famous speeches from history that still move us today.

Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address in 1863 reminds people to honor those we have lost.

President Abraham Lincoln. National Archives/Getty Images

In 1938, Lou Gehrig gave his "Luckiest Man" that celebrated the beauty of life.

Lou Gehrig. The Stanley Weston Archive/ Getty

Winston Churchill delivered the "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" speech in 1940, showing the strength of the human spirit.

Winston Churchill. Associated Press

In 1942, Mahatma Gandhi gave his "Quit India" speech, which encouraged peaceful protests.

Gandhi. Central Press/ Getty

John F. Kennedy delivered "The Decision to Go to The Moon" speech in 1961, proving humans know no bounds.

John F. Kennedy. Bettmann/ Getty

Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream Speech" in 1963 reminds people there is always something better on the horizon.

Martin Luther King Jr. AP

In 1993, Maya Angelou read her poem "On the Pulse of the Morning" at Bill Clinton's inauguration in an attempt to bring the global community together.

Maya Angelou. Consolidated News Pictures/ Getty

Hillary Clinton delivered the "Human Rights Are Women's Rights" speech in 1995, saying those who are suppressed also have a voice.

Hillary Clinton. LUKE FRAZZA / Getty

Nora Ephron encouraged people to break the rules in her commencement address to Wellesley College in 1996.

Nora Ephron. Boston Globe / Getty

In 1977, Harvey Milk gave his "Give Them Hope" speech, urging people to celebrate their differences and to hold on to messages of hope.

Harvey Milk. AP

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