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 every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

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It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.

18

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.

2

My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.

16

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.

4

“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”

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“The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear.”

12

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

16

“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.”

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„You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

16

„Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

10

„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.”

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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.