Last updated on August 30th, 2024 at 07:09 pm
Below is a collection of her most profound Maya Angelou Quotes, each accompanied by a brief description of its meaning.
Maya Angelou was a poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist whose words have inspired millions around the world.
These Maya Angelou Quotes touch on a wide range of topics, including love, courage, identity, and the human spirit.
On Love
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou reflects on the boundless nature of love, which overcomes all obstacles in its path.
“Love is that condition in the healing spirit so profound that it allows us to forgive.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote emphasizes the deep, transformative power of love, which fosters forgiveness and reconciliation.
“If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou suggests that true success lies in our ability to care for others, highlighting love’s central role in a meaningful life.
“Love liberates. It doesn’t just hold—that’s ego. Love liberates.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou distinguishes between possessiveness and true love, which frees rather than confines.
“We are only as blind as we want to be.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote speaks to the self-imposed limitations that prevent us from fully experiencing love and connection.
“Love is the absence of judgment.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou views love as a space where acceptance and understanding replace judgment.
“If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou highlights the importance of sharing our joy and positivity with those we care about.
“Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote reflects on the unpredictable and all-encompassing nature of love, which can affect anyone.
“You can’t forgive without loving. And I don’t mean sentimentality. I mean having enough courage to stand up and say, ‘I forgive, I’m done with it.’”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou connects forgiveness with love, emphasizing the strength required to let go of past grievances.
“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.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou’s quote reflects her hope for a balanced life filled with love, work, and emotional authenticity.
On Courage
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou emphasizes that courage is foundational, enabling us to uphold all other virtues.
“Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote reinforces the idea that courage is essential for living a virtuous life, as it underpins all other moral qualities.
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou asserts her resilience in the face of adversity, choosing to grow rather than be diminished by challenges.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote highlights the power of choice in how we respond to life’s circumstances, with courage enabling us to rise above difficulties.
“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou encourages perseverance, suggesting that while setbacks are inevitable, they should not lead to surrender.
“One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou reflects on the idea that courage is developed through experience and action, rather than being an innate trait.
“Having courage does not mean that we are unafraid. Having courage and showing courage means we face our fears.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote dispels the myth that courage is the absence of fear, instead defining it as the act of confronting our fears.
“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou speaks to the importance of learning from history with courage, so as not to repeat its mistakes.
“Courage allows the successful woman to fail—and learn powerful lessons from the failure—so that in the end, she didn’t fail at all.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou emphasizes the role of courage in turning failures into opportunities for growth and success.
“If one has courage, nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote highlights the enduring power of inner strength and resilience, which cannot be diminished by external challenges.
On Identity and Self-Awareness
“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou encourages authenticity, suggesting that conformity stifles our true potential.
“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote affirms self-worth, reminding us that our value is intrinsic and not dependent on external validation.
“I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou distinguishes between mere survival and truly living, emphasizing the importance of fulfillment beyond material success.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou speaks to the power of choice in how we respond to life’s challenges, with self-awareness guiding our actions.
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou defines success as personal satisfaction and self-acceptance, rather than external achievements.
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote reminds us that identity and personal growth often involve difficult transformations.
“I am a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou celebrates her identity as a strong, confident woman, embracing her unique qualities.
“I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to somebody else’s whim or someone else’s ignorance.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou asserts her independence and self-determination, refusing to let others define her life.
“The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote speaks to the challenge of self-perception, suggesting that our greatest obstacles often lie within our minds.
“You can’t know where you are going until you know where you have been.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding our past to shape our future.
On Resilience and Overcoming Adversity
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou speaks to her resilience, choosing to grow rather than be diminished by challenges.
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote encourages perseverance in the face of obstacles, reminding us that setbacks do not define us.
“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.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou’s words inspire a full, vibrant life, marked by resilience and a commitment to living well.
“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou urges us to remain undefeated, even when facing life’s greatest challenges.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote emphasizes the importance of agency and resilience in the face of adversity.
“I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou’s humility in recognizing the ongoing nature of personal growth and learning.
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou stresses the importance of effort and perseverance in achieving success and overcoming challenges.
“The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote reflects on the transformative power of change and the mental shifts required to embrace it.
“I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou speaks to maintaining a positive attitude and grace, even in difficult circumstances.
“I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou differentiates between mere survival and truly thriving, emphasizing the importance of creating a meaningful life.
On Freedom and Independence
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou emphasizes the power of choice in maintaining freedom and independence, regardless of external circumstances.
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote encourages adaptability and empowerment, advocating for personal agency in the face of challenges.
“I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou celebrates her identity as a woman, expressing pride in her independence and strength.
“I have great respect for the past. If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou highlights the importance of understanding history and personal heritage in shaping one’s path forward.
“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.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote, from her poem “Still I Rise,” reflects Angelou’s indomitable spirit and refusal to be oppressed or defeated.
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou underscores the necessity of personal effort and determination in achieving freedom and success.
“I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.'”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou’s candid reflection on imposter syndrome, despite her many accomplishments, speaks to the vulnerability that accompanies independence and success.
“If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou connects freedom with the ability to love and care for others, suggesting that true independence involves compassion and connection.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou emphasizes the importance of self-expression and the liberation that comes from sharing one’s truth.
“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.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou articulates her vision of a life lived fully and freely, marked by independence, joy, and purpose.
On Compassion 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.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou emphasizes the lasting impact of compassion and kindness, which resonate long afterward, and actions are forgotten.
“We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote calls for empathy and understanding, recognizing the common humanity that unites us all.
“Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou encourages acts of kindness and support, offering hope and light to others during difficult times.
“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote highlights the importance of spreading positivity and helping others through empathy and compassion.
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou advises us to trust our instincts and recognize the true character of others, fostering more honest and empathetic relationships.
“One person, with goodwill, can make an enormous difference.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou underscores the powerful impact that a single individual can have through acts of compassion and kindness.
“I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou speaks to the importance of maintaining grace and empathy, even in personal struggles.
“My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou encourages persistence in kindness and empathy, even in the face of negativity or adversity.
“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.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou advocates for reciprocity in relationships, emphasizing the importance of giving as well as receiving in life.
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote reflects on the transformative power of compassion and empathy, which allow us to appreciate the journey of others.
On Justice and Equality
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou critiques prejudice as a destructive force that distorts our perception of time and reality.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote speaks to the importance of giving voice to marginalized experiences, highlighting the pain of silence and invisibility.
“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 color.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou celebrates diversity and equality, viewing them as essential components of a vibrant and just society.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou speaks to the resilience required to resist oppression and maintain dignity in the face of injustice.
“We allow our ignorance to prevail upon us and make us think we can survive alone, alone in patches, alone in groups, alone in races, even alone in genders.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou critiques the isolationist tendencies that prevent us from achieving true equality and justice.
“I am overwhelmed by the grace and persistence of my people.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou expresses admiration for the resilience and strength of marginalized communities in the face of systemic injustice.
“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote reflects Angelou’s belief in the necessity of perseverance and resistance in the fight for justice.
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou’s advice is to trust our instincts and recognize the true nature of others, particularly in the context of justice and equality.
“I refuse to allow anyone to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate them.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou asserts her commitment to justice without succumbing to hatred, maintaining her moral integrity.
“The quality of strength lined with tenderness is an unbeatable combination, as are intelligence and necessity when unblunted by formal education.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou praises the balance of strength and compassion, viewing them as essential qualities in the pursuit of justice.
On the Power of Words and Storytelling
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou highlights the profound impact of storytelling, suggesting that unspoken narratives cause deep suffering.
“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou emphasizes the importance of spoken word and the human connection in giving life to stories.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou reflects on the necessity of sharing one’s truth, particularly for those whose voices have been silenced.
“The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou describes the ideal of writing with emotional resonance, aiming to connect deeply with readers.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou speaks to the limitless nature of creativity, encouraging its continuous use and development.
“I make writing as much a part of my life as I do eating or listening to music.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou shares her commitment to the craft of writing, integrating it into the fabric of her daily life.
“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.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou underscores the emotional power of words and actions, which leave a lasting impression on others.
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou suggests that passion is essential for excellence in any pursuit, particularly in creative endeavors.
“I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou reflects on the importance of following one’s intuition and inner voice in decision-making.
“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.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou articulates her life’s mission, using her words to inspire and uplift others through storytelling.
On Wisdom and Life Lessons
“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.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou shares a key life lesson about the enduring impact of emotional connections and empathy.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou highlights the boundless nature of creativity, encouraging its continual expression and growth.
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou defines success in terms of self-acceptance and satisfaction, rather than external measures of achievement.
“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou’s words inspire resilience, encouraging us to persevere in the face of challenges.
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou advocates for adaptability and personal empowerment, stressing the importance of attitude in shaping our experiences.
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou reflects on her resilience, choosing to grow from her experiences rather than be diminished by them.
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou uses the metaphor of the butterfly to illustrate the often challenging process of personal growth and transformation.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote emphasizes the importance of agency and resilience in the face of adversity.
“I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou speaks to maintaining a positive attitude and grace, even in difficult circumstances.
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou underscores the necessity of effort and perseverance in achieving success and overcoming challenges.
On Hope and Optimism
“Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite one to stay.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou suggests that hope and fear are mutually exclusive, encouraging us to choose hope over fear.
“I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou reflects on the power of hope and optimism in guiding us toward the right decisions.
“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou encourages us to bring hope and positivity to others, especially during difficult times.
“If one has courage, nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote reflects Angelou’s belief in the enduring power of inner strength and optimism.
“The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou uses the imagery of the horizon to symbolize hope and the potential for new beginnings.
“I’m convinced that we all can be positive and have hope, and we must.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou speaks to the importance of maintaining a hopeful and positive outlook, even in challenging times.
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou suggests that passion and hope are essential for achieving success and fulfillment in life.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
This quote emphasizes the role of hope in maintaining resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
“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.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou’s hope for a balanced life filled with love, work, and emotional authenticity.
“The quality of strength lined with tenderness is an unbeatable combination, as are intelligence and necessity when unblunted by formal education.”
Arthur: Maya Angelou
Description:
Angelou praises the combination of hope, strength, and compassion as essential qualities for living a fulfilling life.
