The most iconic writer, at least in the past century, is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I have spent a great deal of time studying Dr. King. From his speeches, to his letters, and even to the things people said and wrote about him—I believe Dr. King is iconic because of his everlasting words. His words were not superficial; it was as if a higher power had breathed words into him. Dr. King’s gift to take a complex topic and, in turn, make it accessible and familiar to all, proves the power of his legacy.
When I read, I write. I take notes of things that strike me. Out of all the journals I have, I have no doubt cited Dr. King the most. Here’s why I think he’s iconic: As I journal, I meditate on his words, and I find that his message continually connects to everything human. Simply, his writing is transcendent, geared toward all who navigate the earth. Dr. King’s words have outlived his own physicality because they speak for all of life.
Dr. King, I believe, was an iconoclast—and for good reason. The root eikon means “image” or “likeness.” So, then, iconoclast is the breaker of said image or likeness. Dr. King was iconic because he broke the visage of society, challenging its very own existence. The very word iconic exists in iconoclast. Whether Dr. King is speaking to his peaceful militia, the President, or simply of his own reflections—he was an iconic writer because he challenged not only his society, but his own conscience.
Furthermore, an iconic person, in my opinion, is someone who not only challenged the status quo, but persisted in the process. People constantly challenged Dr. King, testing his patience and strength. Yet, he never gave up. An iconic person is such simply because they did and said the things nobody else would.
I often find Dr. King’s inspiration hidden in other pieces of literature. It is evident of those who influenced his thoughts and, therefore, shaped his words. Ideas presented especially in the works of Gandhi, Jesus, and the ancient philosophers, are prominent in Dr. King’s worldview. To me, Dr. King is an iconic writer not because he was a completely original thinker, but because he was inspired by others and modeled his own worldview.
Dr. King’s words are a lineage in and of itself. His words, even generations later, continue to inspire people from all walks of life. Even today, kids and adults share Dr. King’s messages because his words were so divine. That’s why I believe Dr. King to be the most iconic writer, especially in the past century—his words speak to all of us, and that’s something beyond natural. There’s nothing more iconic than that.