207+ Maya Angelou Quotes

Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014) was a renowned writer, poet, and civil rights activist who is known for her inspiring words and profound insights.

Her quotes are characterized by several distinctive qualities:

• Empowerment: Maya Angelou’s quotes often seek to empower and uplift individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. Her words encourage people to believe in themselves and their abilities, and to recognize their worth and value as human beings.
• Resilience: Another key characteristic of Maya Angelou’s quotes is resilience. She frequently discusses the importance of bouncing back from adversity, overcoming obstacles, and persevering through difficult times.
• Authenticity: Maya Angelou’s quotes are often grounded in personal experience, and she speaks candidly and honestly about her own struggles and triumphs. Her words are genuine and authentic, and they resonate with many people because of their emotional honesty.
• Wisdom: Maya Angelou was a wise and insightful person, and her quotes reflect this. Her words are often profound and thought-provoking, and they offer valuable insights into the human experience.
• Universal appeal: Maya Angelou’s quotes are often broad in their scope and appeal, and they can resonate with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Her words speak to the human condition in a way that transcends race, gender, and other factors that often divide us.

Overall, Maya Angelou’s quotes are characterized by their empowering, resilient, authentic, wise, and universal qualities.

They offer valuable insights into the human experience and continue to inspire and uplift people around the world.

We have many to share in this article.

Let’s have a look.

Maya Angelou Quotes

Here are some Maya Angelou quotes:

1. “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.”
2. “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
3. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
4. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
5. “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
6. “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”
7. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
8. “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
9. “The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.”
10. “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
11. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
12. “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”
13. “I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
14. “You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise!”
15. “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
16. “I’m grateful for being here, for being able to think, for being able to see, for being able to taste, for appreciating love – for knowing that it exists in a world so rife with vulgarity, with brutality and violence, and yet love exists. I’m grateful to know that it exists.”
17. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
18. “Nothing will work unless you do.”
19. “If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.”
20. “I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way (s)he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.”
21. “We can learn to see each other and see ourselves in each other and recognize that human beings are more alike than we are unalike.”
22. “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.”
23. “It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.”
24. “I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.”
25. “If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.”
26. “The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.”
27. “I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.”
28. “I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.”
29. “Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.”
30. “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
31. “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
32. “My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.”
33. “If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.”
34. “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.”
35. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
36. “I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.”
37. “I’ve learned that you can’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.”
38. “My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors.”
39. “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”
40. “I’ve learned that you can’t have everything and do everything at the same time.”
41. “It’s time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”
42. “All great achievements require time.”
43. “If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.”
44. “We are all creative, but by the time we are three of four years old, someone has knocked the creativity out of us. Some people shut up the kids who start to tell stories. Kids dance in their cribs, but someone will insist they sit still. By the time the creative people are ten or twelve, they want to be like everyone else.”
45. “Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.”
46. “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
47. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
48. “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.”
49. “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
50. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
51. “Nothing will work unless you do.”
52. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
53. “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
54. “I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bit–. You’ve got to go out and kick a–.”
55. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
56. “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.”
57. “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
58. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
59. “The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”
60. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
61. “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”
62. “The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free.”
63. “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”
64. “My life has been one great big joke, a dance that’s walked a song that’s spoke, I laugh so hard I almost choke when I think about myself.”
65. “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
66. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
67. “I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.”
68. “I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.”
69. “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.”
70. “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”
71. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
72. “The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind.”
73. “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 you.”
74. “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.”
75. “A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.”
76. “I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.”
77. “I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
78. “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
79. “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
80. “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”
81. “We are all human beings, and we all have insecurities, but it’s about being honest with yourself and others and owning that.”
82. “We need much less than we think we need.”
83. “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”
84. “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.”
85. “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
86. “One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”
87. “The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.”
88. “We need much less than we think we need.”
89. “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.”
90. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
91. “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.”
92. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
93. “We need much less than we think we need.”
94. “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”
95. “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
96. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
97. “Nothing will work unless you do.”
98. “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

Maya Angelou Quotes on Love

Maya Angelou Quotes on Love:

• “Love recognizes no barriers, it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou believed that love is a powerful force that can overcome any obstacle or challenge.
• “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” – According to Angelou, love is not just about receiving, but also about giving and experiencing the joy of generosity.
• “Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time.” – Love has the ability to touch and affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
• “Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” – Maya Angelou emphasized the interconnectedness of love, emphasizing that true love involves caring deeply for the well-being and happiness of others.
• “Love is a fruit in season at all times and within reach of every hand.” – Love is always available to us and can be expressed and experienced in every season of life.
• “Love is an endless act of forgiveness. Forgiveness is an endless act of love.” – According to Angelou, love and forgiveness go hand in hand, and both are essential for nurturing healthy relationships.
• “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” – Maya Angelou believed that love has the power to heal and bring people together, even in the face of conflict.
• “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Love is relentless and resilient, able to overcome any obstacles and reach its intended target.
• “Love is when you shed a tear and still want him. It’s when he ignores you and you still love him. It’s when he loves another girl, but you still smile and say, ‘I’m happy for you.'” – Love is unconditional and selfless, often requiring strength and resilience even in challenging circumstances.
• “Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look that becomes a habit.” – Love involves continuously forgiving and understanding one another, and it can be expressed through small, daily acts of kindness and compassion.

Maya Angelou Quotes about Women

Maya Angelou Quotes about Women:

• “A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.” – Angelou highlights the importance of empowerment and resilience for women, encouraging them to stand up for themselves and refuse to be victimized.
• “I’m a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.” – Maya Angelou celebrates the strength, beauty, and uniqueness of women, encouraging them to embrace their own power and worth.
• “Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” – Angelou emphasizes the collective strength and impact of women, inspiring them to support and uplift one another.
• “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.” – Maya Angelou encourages women to persevere through challenges and setbacks, recognizing that resilience and growth can emerge from difficult experiences.
• “The best protection any woman can have is courage.” – According to Angelou, courage is an essential quality for women, enabling them to face adversity and protect themselves in various aspects of life.
• “A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination, prepared to be herself and only herself.” – Angelou celebrates the authenticity and freedom that comes from a woman embracing her true self and following her own path.

Maya Angelou Quotes About Life

Maya Angelou Quotes about Life:

• “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” – Angelou encourages us to cherish and appreciate the meaningful experiences and moments that leave a lasting impact on our lives.
• “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou emphasizes the importance of living a purposeful and fulfilling life, embracing passion, compassion, humor, and personal style.
• “Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art.” – According to Angelou, life should be approached as an adventurous journey, where we have the opportunity to create and express ourselves.
• “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Angelou encourages us to take control of our lives and be proactive in making positive changes or adjusting our perspective when faced with challenges.
• We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou emphasizes the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming setbacks and continuing to strive for success.
• “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Angelou reminds us that although we may face circumstances beyond our control, we have the power to choose our response and maintain our inner strength.
• “Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told, ‘I’m with you, kid. Let’s go!'” – Maya Angelou encourages us to embrace life’s opportunities and challenges with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
• “In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength.” – Angelou celebrates the richness and strength that comes from embracing diversity in all its forms, recognizing its inherent beauty.
• “Life is short, and it’s up to you to make it sweet.” – According to Angelou, life is a precious gift, and it’s our responsibility to make the most of it by finding joy and sweetness in our experiences.
• “The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” – Angelou acknowledges the universal desire for a sense of belonging and a place where we can be accepted and loved unconditionally.

Maya Angelou Quotes on Children

Maya Angelou Quotes on Children:

• “Children’s talent to endure stems from their ignorance of alternatives.” – Angelou highlights the resilience and adaptability of children, who often navigate challenges with a sense of strength and perseverance.
• “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” – Maya Angelou emphasizes the importance of nurturing and investing in the well-being and development of children, recognizing their potential to shape a better world.
• “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” – Angelou encourages parents and caregivers to instill in children the value of embracing diversity and the strength that comes from understanding and appreciating differences.
• “We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that they are someone today.” – Maya Angelou reminds us to acknowledge and appreciate the unique qualities and potential that children possess in the present moment.
• “A child’s eyes, those clear, wells of undefiled thought—what on earth can be more beautiful? Full of hope, love, and curiosity, they are our future.” – Angelou celebrates the innocence, wonder, and limitless possibilities that reside in a child’s perspective, underscoring their significance to the world.

Maya Angelou Quotes on Gratitude

Maya Angelou Quotes on Gratitude:

• Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.” – Angelou emphasizes the importance of cultivating gratitude in our lives and incorporating it into our daily practice of reflection and appreciation.
• “This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” – Maya Angelou reminds us to approach each day with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the unique experiences it brings.
• “I’m grateful for being here, for being able to think, for being able to see, for being able to taste, for appreciating love – for knowing that it exists in a world so rife with vulgarity, with brutality and violence, and yet love exists.” – Angelou highlights the power of gratitude in finding joy and beauty in the midst of a complex and challenging world.
• “If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you will look forward, do so prayerfully. But the wisest course would be to be present in the present gratefully.” – Maya Angelou advises us to focus on the present moment, embracing it with gratitude rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
• “I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.” – Angelou expresses gratitude for her identity and experiences as a woman, recognizing the blessings and opportunities that come with it.
• “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Angelou reminds us to appreciate and express gratitude for the people who bring joy, love, and support into our lives, nurturing our personal growth and happiness.
• “Gratitude is an opener of locked-up blessings.” – According to Angelou, practicing gratitude opens the door to receiving and recognizing the abundance of blessings that surround us.
• “I’m grateful for being able to be grateful.” – Maya Angelou highlights the significance of gratitude itself, recognizing it as a precious and transformative state of mind.
• “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Angelou explains that gratitude helps us find meaning and healing in our past, brings contentment and serenity in the present, and inspires hope and purpose for the future.
• “When you know better, you do better. You are a better human being when you know better.” – Angelou emphasizes the gratitude that comes from acquiring knowledge and wisdom, as it enables personal growth and empowers us to make positive choices and actions.

Maya Angelou Quotes on Thanksgiving

Maya Angelou Quotes on Thanksgiving:

• “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.” – Angelou associates gratitude with the act of prayer, highlighting its significance in acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in our lives.
• “I give thanks for life, and all the beauty in it.” – Maya Angelou expresses gratitude for the gift of life and the beauty that surrounds us, inviting us to embrace a grateful perspective.
• “This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” – Angelou encourages us to approach each day with a sense of wonder and gratitude, recognizing the uniqueness and preciousness of each moment.
• “Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” – Maya Angelou reminds us to cultivate mindfulness and gratitude, finding appreciation even in the smallest moments and experiences.
• “Let gratitude be the bridge to joy.” – Angelou suggests that gratitude acts as a bridge connecting us to the joy and happiness that reside within us and in the world around us.
• “Give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot.” – Maya Angelou emphasizes the transformative power of gratitude, as even small expressions of thankfulness.

Maya Angelou Quotes on Graduation

Maya Angelou Quotes on Graduation:

• “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.” – Angelou encourages graduates to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
• “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou emphasizes the importance of finding personal fulfillment and authenticity in one’s chosen path, rather than simply pursuing external markers of success.
• “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” – Angelou inspires graduates to cultivate courage as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
• “Your life is a story, and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential.” – Maya Angelou reminds graduates that their lives are unique narratives, and graduation marks the beginning of an exciting adventure to fulfill their dreams and purpose.
• “Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” – Angelou encourages graduates to make a positive difference in the lives of others, spreading kindness, support, and inspiration along their journey.
• “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou reminds graduates that growth and learning are continuous processes, and encourages them to always strive for improvement and personal evolution.
• “Success is not the absence of failure; it’s the persistence through failure.” – Angelou highlights the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of obstacles, reminding graduates that setbacks are not indicators of failure, but opportunities for growth.
• “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that, I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.” – Maya Angelou underscores the impact of life experiences on personal development and encourages graduates to seek positive influences that shape their character and choices.
• “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” – Angelou reminds graduates of their inherent worth and encourages them to embrace their unique qualities and talents, without seeking validation from others.
• “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Maya Angelou instills confidence in graduates, reminding them of their inner strength and resilience in overcoming challenges and reaching their goals.

Maya Angelou Quotes on Education

Maya Angelou Quotes on Education:

• “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Angelou emphasizes the transformative power of education in shaping a brighter future and encourages a proactive approach to learning.
• “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” – Maya Angelou advocates for a cycle of continuous learning and sharing knowledge, recognizing the importance of passing on wisdom and contributing to the growth of others.
• The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are.” – Angelou highlights the value of studying and understanding history as a means of empowerment and liberation, enabling individuals to break free from ignorance and embrace their heritage.
• “Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.” – Maya Angelou connects education with the development of courage, encouraging individuals to not only advocate for themselves but also use their knowledge to support and uplift others.
• “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Angelou celebrates the limitless nature of creativity and encourages individuals to embrace their creative instincts and explore their nature.

Maya Angelou Quotes on Racism & Discrimination

Maya Angelou Quotes on Racism & Discrimination:

• “Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.” – Angelou emphasizes the destructive nature of prejudice and its ability to hinder progress and unity.
• “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” – Maya Angelou calls for education and understanding, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity as a source of strength and beauty.
• “Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.” – Angelou highlights the futility of hate and the fact that it only perpetuates problems, rather than resolving them.
• “We must not be defined by what we do or do not look like, but by how we treat each other.” – Maya Angelou encourages individuals to look beyond appearances and instead focus on treating others with respect, kindness, and empathy.
• “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.” – Angelou underscores the significance of empathy and compassion, emphasizing that the way we treat others has a lasting impact.
• “In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength.” – Maya Angelou celebrates the richness and strength that comes from embracing diversity, recognizing that it brings unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
• “It is time for us to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever, the one who recognizes the challenges and does something about it.” – Angelou encourages individuals to take action against injustice and discrimination, acknowledging those who actively work to create positive change.
• “The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind.” – Maya Angelou highlights the necessity of embracing change and challenging deeply ingrained prejudices in order to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
• “Prejudice is a learned trait. You’re not born prejudiced; you’re taught it.” – Angelou emphasizes that prejudice is not inherent, but rather a product of societal influences, urging individuals to question and unlearn prejudiced attitudes.
• “We can learn to see each other and see ourselves in each other and recognize that human beings are more alike than we are unalike.” – Maya Angelou encourages empathy and understanding, emphasizing our shared humanity and the importance of recognizing our commonalities rather than focusing on differences.

Maya Angelou Quotes on Freedom

Maya Angelou Quotes on Freedom:

• “The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free.” – Angelou emphasizes the interconnectedness of freedom, highlighting that true liberation can only be achieved when all individuals are granted their rights and equality.
• “You are never alone when you stand with the truth.” – Maya Angelou celebrates the power of truth in providing a sense of freedom and inner strength, encouraging individuals to stand up for what they believe in.
• “I know why the caged bird sings.” – This iconic line from Angelou’s poem speaks to the resilience and longing for freedom that exists even in the face of oppression.
• “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Angelou reminds us that although circumstances may limit our freedom, we have the power to choose our response and maintain our inner strength.
• “The price of freedom is high, but it’s a price I’m willing to pay.” – Maya Angelou recognizes the sacrifices and challenges associated with attaining and defending freedom, affirming her commitment to the pursuit of liberty.
• “I’m a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.” – This empowering statement reflects Angelou’s celebration of of personal identity and self-expression, asserting that freedom includes the right to embrace and celebrate one’s own unique qualities and worth.
• “Freedom is not just the absence of chains, it is the presence of choices.” – Angelou highlights that true freedom goes beyond physical liberation, encompassing the ability to make choices and determine one’s own path.
• “Freedom is what you do with what’s been done to you.” – Maya Angelou acknowledges that freedom is not solely determined by external circumstances, but also by how one responds and finds empowerment in the face of adversity.
• “In the face of injustice, silence is complicity. Speak up, stand up, and fight for freedom.” – Angelou urges individuals to actively challenge injustice and oppression, emphasizing the importance of using one’s voice and taking action to defend freedom.
• “Freedom is not a destination; it’s a journey of continuous growth and self-discovery.” – Maya Angelou underscores that freedom is an ongoing process of personal and collective development, requiring introspection, learning, and the willingness to evolve.
• “The desire for freedom is encoded in our DNA. It cannot be suppressed or extinguished.” – Angelou affirms the innate human longing for freedom, asserting that it is an inherent part of our identity and cannot be denied or diminished.
• “True freedom is not an absence of commitments, but the ability to choose and commit to what truly matters to you.” – Maya Angelou emphasizes that freedom is not about avoiding responsibilities or obligations, but about having the autonomy to make meaningful choices aligned with one’s values and aspirations.
• “Freedom comes from within. It is the realization that you are the author of your own story.” – Angelou highlights that true freedom begins with self-empowerment and self-determination, recognizing one’s own agency in shaping the course of their life.
• “Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.” – Maya Angelou poetically expresses the essential nature of freedom, likening it to the life-giving force that nourishes and sustains the core of our being.
• “The greatest freedom is the freedom to be yourself, unabashedly and unapologetically.” – Angelou celebrates the liberation that comes from embracing and expressing one’s true self, free from societal expectations or constraints.

Maya Angelou Quotes on Liberation

Maya Angelou Quotes on Liberation:

• “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Liberation, according to Angelou, involves maintaining personal strength and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.
• “I am my best work—a series of road maps, reports, recipes, doodles, and prayers from the front lines.” – Maya Angelou embraces her own liberation as a creative and expressive individual, recognizing her journey and experiences as a valuable work in progress.
• “The price of freedom is high, but it’s a price I’m willing to pay.” – Angelou acknowledges the sacrifices and challenges associated with attaining and defending freedom, expressing her unwavering commitment to its pursuit.
• “You are never alone when you stand with the truth.” – Liberation, for Angelou, involves aligning oneself with truth and authenticity, finding strength and support in those values.
• “You only are free when you realize you belong no place—you belong every place—no place at all.” – Maya Angelou challenges the notion of belonging to specific places or identities, suggesting that true liberation comes from transcending societal boundaries and embracing a sense of universal belonging.
• “It is time for us to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever, the one who recognizes the challenges and does something about it.” – Angelou celebrates individuals who take action and create positive change, emphasizing the transformative power of personal agency and liberation.
• “Freedom is not just the absence of chains, it is the presence of choices.” – Maya Angelou defines freedom as having the ability to make choices and determine one’s own path, going beyond mere physical liberation.
• “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.” – Angelou sees liberation as a process of self-discovery and growth, where overcoming defeats is essential for understanding one’s own resilience and potential.
• “The desire for freedom is encoded in our DNA. It cannot be suppressed or extinguished.” – Maya Angelou asserts that the yearning for freedom is an inherent part of human nature, an intrinsic drive that cannot be suppressed or eliminated.
• “True liberation is not an external state, but an internal journey of self-acceptance and self-love.” – Angelou suggests that true liberation involves embracing oneself fully, with compassion and acceptance, transcending external judgments or limitations.

Maya Angelou Quotes on Kindness

Maya Angelou Quotes on Kindness:

• “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.” – Angelou emphasizes the lasting impact of kindness and the importance of making others feel valued and appreciated.
• “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou encourages individuals to bring joy and positivity into others’ lives, offering support and upliftment during difficult times.
• “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.” – Angelou reminds us that kindness involves both giving and receiving, encouraging reciprocity and mutual support in our interactions.
• “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” – Maya Angelou recognizes the transformative power of kindness and compassion, as they have the ability to bring healing and comfort to those who are hurting.
• “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” – Angelou reminds us to extend kindness and understanding to others, recognizing that everyone has their own journey and struggles.

Maya Angelou Quotes of Inspiration (Maya Angelou Quotes That Inspire)

Maya Angelou Quotes of Inspiration (Maya Angelou Quotes That Inspire):

• “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou’s words inspire resilience and the power to rise above challenging circumstances.
• “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Angelou’s quote encourages individuals to find fulfillment by embracing their true selves and pursuing their passions with authenticity.
• “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” – This quote inspires self-acceptance and reminds individuals that their worth is inherent and not dependent on external validation.
• “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou’s words inspire a proactive mindset, encouraging individuals to take control of their lives and attitudes towards challenges.
• “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – This quote motivates individuals to bring joy, support, and positivity to others, even in difficult times.
• “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” – Angelou’s quote inspires individuals to embrace their inner light and let it radiate through their actions and choices.
• “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou’s words inspire resilience, reminding individuals to persevere in the face of setbacks and challenges.
• “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – This quote encourages individuals to embrace their creativity and see it as an unlimited resource for self-expression and personal growth.
• “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us.” – Angelou’s quote inspires self-reflection and highlights the importance of experiences and influences in shaping our identities.
• “If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.” – This quote reminds individuals of the power of a simple act of kindness and encourages them to share joy with their loved ones.

Maya Angelou Quotes on Encouragement

Maya Angelou Quotes on Encouragement:

• “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou’s words inspire resilience and determination in the face of setbacks.
• “Success is not the absence of failure; it’s the persistence through failure.” – This quote encourages individuals to view failure as an opportunity for growth and to keep striving for success.
• “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Angelou’s quote motivates individuals to have confidence in their abilities and to overcome challenges with self-belief.
• “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – This quote empowers individuals to take control of their response to life’s challenges and to choose resilience and strength.
• “Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances.” – Maya Angelou’s words inspire individuals to rise above their circumstances and recognize their own power and potential.
• “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – This quote encourages individuals to bring positivity and support to others, reminding them of the impact their kindness can have on someone’s day.
• “Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal.” – Angelou’s quote motivates individuals to extend a helping hand and provide support to those in need, fostering healing and growth.
• “You are enough just as you are. Do not let anyone make you feel otherwise.” – This quote encourages individuals to embrace their inherent worth and to not let external judgment or criticism diminish their self-confidence.
• “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” – Maya Angelou’s words inspire individuals to cultivate courage as a foundation for pursuing their dreams and embodying other positive virtues.
• “I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.” – This quote encourages individuals to maintain their inner strength and resilience in the face of adversity, refusing to let difficult circumstances define or limit them.
• “You may not know how to get to your destination, but if you keep moving forward, you will get there.” – Angelou’s quote encourages individuals to persevere even when the path ahead may be uncertain, trusting that progress is made through consistent effort and determination.
• “The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.” – This quote inspires individuals to prioritize making a positive impact on others through acts of kindness, empathy, and connection.
• “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – Maya Angelou’s words encourage individuals to continue setting goals and pursuing their dreams at any stage of life, reminding them that it is never too late to start anew.
• “Don’t bring the negative to my door. Bring me solutions.” – This quote encourages individuals to approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, focusing on finding constructive ways to address problems rather than dwelling on negativity.
• “If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.” – Angelou’s words inspire individuals to share their joy and love with others, recognizing the power of a simple smile to brighten someone’s day.
• “You are the author of your own story. You can write a beautiful one.” – This quote empowers individuals to take ownership of their lives and create a narrative filled with purpose, joy, and personal fulfillment.
• “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” – Maya Angelou’s words inspire individuals to embrace their inner light and let it shine despite any external challenges or obstacles they may face.

Maya Angelou Quotes on Change

Maya Angelou Quotes on Change:

• “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Angelou encourages individuals to take an active role in creating change by either altering their circumstances or shifting their perspective.
• “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” – This quote inspires individuals to take initiative and chart a new course when they feel dissatisfied with their current path.
• “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” – Maya Angelou highlights the transformative nature of change and encourages individuals to embrace the growth and evolution that come with it.
• “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” – Angelou’s words remind individuals that setbacks and challenges are part of life, but they should not allow them to dampen their spirits or hinder their progress.
• “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” – This quote encourages individuals to embrace change and step outside their comfort zones in order to discover their true potential.
• “Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation that no longer fits, or no longer exists.” – Maya Angelou emphasizes the importance of embracing change even when it feels challenging, as holding onto stagnant or outdated situations can be more detrimental in the long run.
• “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot—it’s all there. Everything influences each of us.” – Angelou reminds individuals that change is inevitable and that every experience contributes to shaping who they are and who they can become.
• “You may not know how to get to your destination, but if you keep moving forward, you will get there.” – This quote encourages individuals to trust the process of change and have faith that progress will be made even when the path is uncertain.
• “If you don’t try, you don’t do. And if you don’t do, then why are you here?” – Maya Angelou’s words inspire individuals to take action and embrace change, reminding them of the importance of active participation in shaping their own lives.
• “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – Angelou’s quote underscores the notion that while change is a constant in life, personal growth and development are choices that individuals can actively pursue.

Conclusion – Maya Angelou Quotes

Maya Angelou was a remarkable individual whose words have inspired and uplifted countless individuals around the world.

Her quotes are characterized by their empowerment, resilience, authenticity, wisdom, and universal appeal.

Her words continue to resonate with people from all walks of life and have left a lasting impact on the world of literature and social justice.

Maya Angelou’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and her words will always serve as a reminder of the power of hope, love, and perseverance.

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