Martin Luther King Jr.'s early life in Atlanta significantly shaped his views on non-violence. Influenced by his father, a Baptist minister, King was raised in a religious environment that emphasized love and justice. Experiencing racial discrimination firsthand galvanized his commitment to civil rights. His exposure to Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy during his education also reinforced his belief in non-violent resistance as a powerful tool for social change. These formative experiences cultivated his dedication to harmonious racial integration and peace, leading to his impactful leadership in the civil rights movement.