Maya Angelou, a poet, author, and civil rights activist, has left an indelible mark on the world with her wisdom, courage, and resilience. Known for her profound contributions to literature and her powerful stance in advocating for equality and justice, Angelou’s words continue to resonate across generations. Her work is a reflection of her experiences, triumphs, and struggles, giving a voice to those who feel unheard and empowering those who need motivation. Through her poetry, books, and speeches, Maya Angelou has inspired millions to persevere, to rise above adversity, and to embrace self-love.
The following 47 quotes from Maya Angelou provide a glimpse into her worldview, offering inspiration, reflection, and a reminder of the power of words, resilience, and humanity. Let these quotes guide you through life’s challenges and triumphs, helping you to grow, reflect, and find your own voice.
47 Inspirational Maya Angelou Quotes To Inspire You
1. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
2. “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
3. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
4. “You are enough just as you are.”
5. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
6. “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.”
7. “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
8. “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their colour.”
9. “Nothing will work unless you do.”
10. “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
11. “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
12. “I am grateful for being alive. I am grateful for the opportunities to speak and share my truth.”
13. “I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as making a ‘life.’”
14. “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know just how extraordinary you are.”
15. “Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
16. “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
17. “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”
18. “I am not your typical woman. I won’t be caged or stereotyped.”
19. “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
20. “The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.”
21. “Nothing will work unless you do.”
22. “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”
23. “I don’t trust people who don’t love themselves and tell me, ‘I love you.’ There is an African saying which is: ‘Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt.’”
24. “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”
25. “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.”
26. “There is no greater power in the world than the power of a woman who has the strength to face her fears.”
27. “I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
28. “Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, the world’s magnificent.”
29. “Let nothing dim the light that shines from within.”
30. “When you know better, you do better.”
31. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
32. “The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear.”
33. “We are only as blind as we want to be.”
34. “Life loves the liver of it.”
35. “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”
36. “There’s a world of difference between being yourself and being comfortable.”
37. “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”
38. “The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind.”
39. “There is nothing so pitiful as a young cynic because he has gone from knowing nothing to believing nothing.”
40. “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
41. “I am a woman. Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.”
42. “Love is an endless act of forgiveness. Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom.”
43. “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.”
44. “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.”
45. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
46. “I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as making a ‘life.’”
47. “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
Conclusion
Maya Angelou’s words transcend time and space, offering wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration to anyone who seeks it. Through her life’s work, she has shown us the importance of self-love, resilience, and the power of words. As we reflect on these 47 quotes, we are reminded that no matter the challenges we face, we have the strength to rise above them and emerge stronger. Angelou’s words will continue to guide and inspire future generations, urging us to live our truths, embrace our unique journeys, and foster empathy and kindness in our relationships. By living authentically, and with purpose, we can all echo the profound wisdom that Maya Angelou has shared with the world.
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