Maya Angelou Quotes (96+)

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

A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her.

16

Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud.

14

What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it. Don't complain.

12

Nothing can dim the light that shines from within

10

You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.

8

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'.

6

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.

4

Courage – you develop courage by doing small things like just as if you wouldn’t want to pick up a 100-pound weight without preparing yourself.

2

Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.

0

I work very hard, and I play very hard. I’m grateful for life. And I live it – I believe life loves the liver of it. I live it.

18

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

16

Determine to live life with flair and laughter.

14

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.