Maya Angelou, an American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist, was a beacon of wisdom and resilience whose life and words have left an indelible impact on generations. In this article, we have accumulated a list of some of the most famous Maya Angelou quotes.
Born into adversity, Angelou overcame the hardships of her early years and rose to become a global icon of strength and inspiration. Her eloquent prose, poignant poetry, and powerful speeches echo the essence of her experience and her profound understanding of humanity. They serve as a reservoir of wisdom, empowering individuals to embrace their potential, confront their challenges, and reaffirm their worth.
The following are not just famous Maya Angelou quotes;
they are life lessons, enlightening paths, and catalysts for change. As you delve into her words, you will find a new perspective, a renewed strength, and an awakened spirit to navigate the journey of life.
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. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
3. “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
4. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
5. “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
6. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
7. “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”
8. “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”
9. “Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.”
10. “Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean.”
Quotes by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s journey to fame was paved by her indomitable spirit, resonant voice, and a profound belief in the power of words. Born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou faced a tumultuous childhood marked by racism, trauma, and hardship. Yet, it was her challenging past that fueled her passion for writing. She began her professional career as a singer and dancer, but her knack for storytelling led her to transition into writing.
Her first autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” published in 1969, catapulted her into the limelight. The poignant depiction of her early life, coupled with her eloquent prose, won the hearts of millions worldwide, marking the beginning of her illustrious career as an author and civil rights advocate. Angelou’s unique ability to weave the threads of her personal experiences into universal lessons made her a beacon of hope and resilience, earning her global recognition and reverence. Naturally, some of the following Maya Angelou quotes are still recognized for its depth and meaning.
11. “The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.”
12. “Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”
13. “A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.”
14. “The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are.”
15. “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.”
16. “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
17. “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
18. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
19. “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
20. “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”
Maya Angelou Famous Quotes
21. “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.”
22. “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.”
23. “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
24. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
25. “Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.”
26. “I work really hard to just focus on the joy of the work and not let myself get wrapped up in the rejection and the competitiveness and the comparison and the gossip.”
These Maya Angelou quotes are more than mere collections of words; they are powerful conduits of transformation. Each quote encapsulates her resilience, wisdom, and deep understanding of the human spirit.
Her words have brought comfort to those in despair, instilled courage in the fearful, and ignited a sense of purpose in the lost. Even as we read them today, quotes by Maya Angelou continue to inspire, challenge, and guide us, making an indelible impact on our lives. They remind us of the strength inherent within us, urging us to rise above adversity, and celebrate our unique identities.
