Maya Angelou, a towering figure of the 20th century, broke down barriers and articulated the experiences of Black individuals in America, the feminist movement, and an entire generation influenced by her powerful poems, essays, and memoirs. Her words resonate widely; many of her profound quotes are often featured in various inspirational collections about love, life, and bravery.
Angelou’s remarkable legacy as a celebrated poet, journalist, screenwriter, and Civil Rights advocate is matched only by the incredible journey she undertook before her passing in 2014. Did you know that she became only the second poet to recite at a Presidential inauguration during Bill Clinton’s in 1993? She also wrote the screenplay for Georgia, Georgia and directed Down in the Delta in 1998. A true polyglot, she spoke six languages and became the first Black woman to operate a cable car in San Francisco at just 16 years old.
Whether you’re a lifelong admirer or just discovering her wisdom, here are some of Angelou’s most cherished quotes that we hope inspire and uplift you.
- “You may not be able to control all the occurrences in your life, but you can choose not to be diminished by them.”
- “We often require far less than we believe we do.”
- “Pursue patience and passion equally; neither alone will suffice.”
- “With a stroke of luck, a single dream can completely alter a million realities.”
- “I have found that decisions made with an open heart are often the right ones.”
- “If I don’t treat myself well, how can I expect others to do the same?”
- “Don’t prioritize someone who only sees you as an option.”
- “While hate has created innumerable issues, it has yet to solve a single one.”
- “When someone reveals their true self, trust that revelation the first time.”
- “People may forget what you said or did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
- “Courage is essential for practicing any virtue consistently.”
- “A wise woman seeks no enemies and refuses to be a victim.”
- “Success is about being content with yourself and your actions.”
- “Caring for others is the true measure of success.”
- “We admire the beauty of a butterfly but seldom acknowledge the struggles it faced.”
- “Even in pain, I can choose not to embody it.”
- “Creativity is an infinite resource; the more you express it, the more you possess.”
- “Truth and facts are worlds apart; facts can cloud the truth.”
- “We are only as blind as we choose to be.”
- “You can only excel at what you love.”
- “Have the bravery to love again, time and time again.”
- “Striving for normalcy prevents you from achieving true greatness.”
- “Life isn’t measured by breaths taken, but by breathtaking moments.”
- “Life isn’t just a passive experience; you must actively engage with it.”
- “Change what you dislike; if it’s unchangeable, shift your perspective.”
- “I demand respect from myself and others; it’s a mutual exchange.”
- “I acknowledge that I still have much to learn.”
- “I’ve got my own support.”
- “Courage is cultivated through small challenges, much like preparing to lift a heavy weight.”
- “The worst agony is harboring an untold story.”
- “I strive to give my best, knowing others rely on me.”
- “Nothing works unless you put in the effort.”
- “Do your best until you learn better; then, do better.”
- “You are enough just as you are; you owe no one proof of your worth.”
- “We may face many setbacks, but we must not be defeated.”
- “Aiming for the stars is ambitious; aiming for hearts is wise.”
- “The most important thing is to love the pursuit of truth.”
- “Life is an adventure, and recognizing this allows us to treat it as a work of art.”
- “When we give joyfully and receive gratefully, we uplift everyone.”
- “Giving has the power to liberate the giver’s soul.”
- “I love to see a young woman seize the world with confidence.”
- “Be cautious of those who lack self-love yet profess love for others.”
- “Music became my sanctuary, a space to escape loneliness.”
- “I acted according to my knowledge then; now that I know better, I act accordingly.”
- “Be a source of light in someone’s dark moments.”
- “You are sufficient just as you are; prove nothing to anyone.”
- “Everything in the universe has rhythm; everything dances.”
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In summary, Maya Angelou’s powerful words continue to inspire and uplift people around the globe. Her insights on love, courage, and life resonate deeply, reminding us of our strength and the beauty of the human experience.