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 wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.

8

Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.

6

Seek patience and passion in equal amounts. Patience alone will not build the temple. Passion alone will destroy its walls.

4

If you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.

2

Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.

0

I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.

18

Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.

16

If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?

14

We need much less than we think we need.

12

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

14

A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.

4

When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.

12

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.