40 Best Maya Angelou Quotes to Live By
Let the famous poet's enlightening words serve as an unofficial guide to life.
Maya Angelou is arguably one of the most celebrated and prolific writers to ever live. Regal and eloquent, she embodied poise and unmatched grace. Her masterful words and poetic musings left an indelible mark on the world that lives on today.
The esteemed author, poet, memoirist and civil rights activist’s words have inspired countless people, most notably Oprah Winfrey, who often referred to the beloved author as her mentor and friend. Her messages of love, acceptance and hope are like life manuals and incredibly popular in American culture and beyond.
In fact, one quick Google search for famous quotes and sayings and you’re sure to find Maya Angelou quotes at the top of the list. Her remarkable life experiences spawned masterpieces that comprise literary works such as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Letters to My Daughter and Still I Rise to name a few. Her praiseworthy body of work and lifetime of achievement earned her numerous accolades and notable recognitions, including the being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010 by President Barack Obama, along with the honor of being only the second poet to recite at a presidential inauguration during the Bill Clinton administration.
From uplifting to undoubtedly wise, we’ve rounded up some of the best Maya Angelou quotes that will motivate, inspire and encourage. Some may even change your perspective and make you think differently. Proof that the power of words is immeasurable.
So, sit back, reflect and take note!
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.
Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.
Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.
Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.
The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.
If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?
Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.
Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.
Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.
Letter to My Daughter
You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.
Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.
You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.
Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.
You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.
We need much less than we think we need.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.
Letter to My Daughter
Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud.
Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it!
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