Maya Angelou Quotes (96+)

Enjoy the best Maya Angelou Quotes. Quotations by Maya Angelou (Poet, Civil Rights Activist)
Apr 04, 1928 - May 28, 2014

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.

0

It's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.

18

Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.

16

The love of the family, the love of the person can heal. It heals the scars left by a larger society. A massive, powerful society.

14

I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass.

12

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.

10

Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.

8

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.

6

I do not trust people who don't love themselves and yet tell me, 'I love you.' There is an African saying which is: Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt.

4

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.

2

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!

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The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.

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About the Author

Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was an acclaimed American author, poet, civil rights activist, and performer. Born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou overcame a difficult childhood to become one of the most influential voices of her time.

Growing up in the racially segregated South, Angelou faced discrimination and hardship. However, her love for literature and storytelling remained unwavering. At an early age, she discovered the power of words and found solace in books, which sparked her lifelong passion for writing.

During her remarkable life, Maya Angelou wore many hats. She worked as a calypso dancer, a nightclub performer, and an actress, touring internationally with the cast of the opera "Porgy and Bess." She also worked as a journalist in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization period in Africa.

Angelou's talent as a writer became evident with the publication of her groundbreaking memoir, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," in 1969. The book, which detailed her experiences growing up in the racially oppressive South, garnered critical acclaim and widespread recognition. It became a bestseller, catapulting Angelou to literary fame.

Throughout her career, Maya Angelou authored numerous works of poetry, essays, and autobiographies, including "Gather Together in My Name," "Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas," and "The Heart of a Woman." Her writing often touched on themes of identity, race, gender, and resilience, resonating with a broad range of readers.

Beyond her literary accomplishments, Angelou was an active advocate for civil rights and social justice. She worked alongside prominent figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, using her voice to fight against racial inequality and promote equality for all.

Maya Angelou's impact on literature and society cannot be overstated. Her powerful words continue to inspire and empower people around the world. Her unique ability to blend autobiography, poetry, and activism has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, solidifying her legacy as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.