Maya Angelou, renowned poet, author, and civil rights activist, has left an indelible mark on the world with her powerful words and profound insights. Her messages continue to inspire and elevate our perspectives, encouraging us to embrace our humanity, seek justice, and find beauty in the struggle. Here is a collection of insightful Maya Angelou quotes that can uplift and transform the way you see the world:
Maya Angelou Messages: Maya Angelou’s legacy continues on via the countless people whose lives she changed through her work as a renowned novelist, poet, activist, and all-around remarkable lady. Read on for a selection of Maya Angelou’s most moving, thought-provoking, and encouraging quotes in honor of the great legacy she has left behind.
Insightful Maya Angelou quotes
- “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.”
- This quote emphasizes the importance of empathy and the lasting impact of kindness and compassion.
- “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
- A reminder of our inner strength and resilience, this message encourages us to rise above adversity.
- “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
- Maya Angelou teaches us about the power of perspective and the importance of adaptability in facing challenges.
- “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
- This simple yet profound quote encourages us to bring positivity and hope into the lives of others.
- “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
- A metaphor for personal growth, this message highlights the transformative power of life’s challenges and experiences.
- “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
- Emphasizing the foundational role of courage, this quote inspires us to live boldly and authentically.
- “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.”
- Maya Angelou’s words encourage us to live life fully, embracing all its facets with grace and enthusiasm.
- “Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.”
- A powerful message about the destructive nature of prejudice and the importance of inclusivity and understanding.
- “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”
- This quote is a reminder of our intrinsic worth and the importance of self-acceptance.
- “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
- A call for awareness and discernment in our relationships, this message encourages us to trust our instincts.
- “We need much less than we think we need.”
- A reflection on simplicity and contentment, this quote reminds us to appreciate what we have and focus on what truly matters.
- “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
- Maya Angelou redefines success in terms of self-love, passion, and integrity.
- “Nothing will work unless you do.”
- A motivational message that underscores the value of hard work and determination in achieving our goals.
- “The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.”
- This quote speaks to the profound impact of connecting with others on a deeper emotional level.
- “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
- A testament to resilience, this message encourages us to remain strong and undiminished by life’s trials.
Motivational Maya Angelou Messages
Maya Angelou’s words continue to resonate across generations, offering wisdom, comfort, and motivation. Let these insightful messages elevate your perspective and inspire you to live with courage, compassion, and a deep appreciation for life’s journey.
1. “Nothing will work unless you do.” – Maya Angelou
2. “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou
3. “All great achievements require time.” – Maya Angelou
4. “If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love.” – Maya Angelou
5. “Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time.” – Maya Angelou
6. I believe that every person is born with talent. – Maya Angelou
7. At I began to know who I was. It was like waking up to myself. – Maya Angelou
8. “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou
9. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
10. I know for sure that loves saves me and that it is here to save us all. – Maya Angelou
11. “While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God’s creation.” – Maya Angelou
12. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou
13. “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.” – Maya Angelou
14. “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.” – Maya Angelou
15. “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.” – Maya Angelou
16. “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.” – Maya Angelou
17. “One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” – Maya Angelou
18. “A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.” – Maya Angelou
19. “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.” – Maya Angelou
20. “My life has been one great big joke, a dance that’s walked, a song that’s spoke, I laugh so hard I almost choke when I think about myself.” – Maya Angelou
21. “You can’t forgive without loving. And I don’t mean sentimentality. I don’t mean mush. I mean having enough courage to stand up and say, ‘I forgive. I’m finished with it.”‘ – Maya Angelou
22. “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” – Maya Angelou
23. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” – Maya Angelou
24. “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.” – Maya Angelou
25. “I’m convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere. For a change, start by speaking to people rather than walking by them like they’re stones that don’t matter. As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good.” – Maya Angelou
26. “It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.” – Maya Angelou
27. “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.” – Maya Angelou
28. “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.” – Maya Angelou
29. “I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.” – Maya Angelou
30. I know that when I pray, something wonderful happens. Not just to the person or persons for whom I’m praying, but also something wonderful happens to me. I’m grateful that I’m heard. – Maya Angelou
31. I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. – Maya Angelou
32. We can learn to see each other and see ourselves in each other and recognize that human beings are more alike than we are unalike. – Maya Angelou
33. My life has been long, and believing that life loves the liver of it, I have dared to try many things, sometimes trembling, but daring still. – Maya Angelou
34. Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: ‘I’m with you kid. Let’s go.’ – Maya Angelou
35. My greatest blessing has been the birth of my son. My next greatest blessing has been my ability to turn people into children of mine. – Maya Angelou
36. I love the song ‘I Hope You Dance’ by Lee Ann Womack. I was going to write that song, but someone beat me to it. – Maya Angelou
37. In all my work, I try to say, ‘You may be given a load of sour lemons, why not try to make a dozen lemon meringue pies?’ – Maya Angelou
38. Loving someone liberates the lover as well as the beloved. And that kind of love comes with age. – Maya Angelou
39. Everyone has at least one story, and each of us is funny if we admit it. You have to admit you’re the funniest person you’ve ever heard of. – Maya Angelou
40. 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. – Maya Angelou
41. I wrote some of the worst poetry west from the Mississippi River, but I wrote. And I finally sometimes got it right. – Maya Angelou
42. You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. – Maya Angelou
43. 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. – Maya Angelou
44. I believe that each of us comes from the Creator trailing wisps of glory. – Maya Angelou
45. Nothing succeeds like success. Get a little success, and then just get a little more. – Maya Angelou
46. A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. – Maya Angelou
47. Don’t get older just to get wiser. If you get older, you will be wiser, I believe that – if you dare. But get older because it’s fun! – Maya Angelou
48. I respect myself and insist upon it from everybody. And because I do it, I then respect everybody, too. – Maya Angelou
49. It is a no-fail, incontrovertible reality: If you get, give. If you learn, teach. You can’t do anything with that except do it. – Maya Angelou
50. There’s something which impels us to show our inner souls. The more courageous we are, the more we succeed in explaining what we know. – Maya Angelou
51. We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. – Maya Angelou
52. Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. – Maya Angelou
53. I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life. – Maya Angelou
54. Seek patience and passion in equal amounts. Patience alone will not build the temple. Passion alone will destroy its walls. – Maya Angelou
55. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. – Maya Angelou
56. Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option. – Maya Angelou
57. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. – Maya Angelou
58. 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. – Maya Angelou
59. When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. – Maya Angelou
60. If you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be. – Maya Angelou
61. “Since time is the one immaterial object which we cannot influence—neither speed up nor slow down, add to nor diminish—it is an imponderably valuable gift.”― Maya Angelou
62. “I did then what I knew best, when I knew better, I did better.”― Maya Angelou
63. “Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible…We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”― Maya Angelou
64. “Let nothing dim the light that shines from within.”― Maya Angelou
65. “I find relief from the questions only when I concede that I am not obliged to know everything. I remind myself it is sufficient to know what I know, and that what I know, may not always be true.”― Maya Angelou
66. “In all my work what I try to say is that as human beings we are more alike than we are unalike.”― Maya Angelou
67. “Remember, people will judge you by your actions not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold but so does a hard-boiled egg.”― Maya Angelou
68. “I make writing as much a part of my life as I do eating or listening to music.”― Maya Angelou
69. “No human being can be more human than another human being. I liberate you from my ignorance.” ― Maya Angelou
70. “All great artists draw from the same resource: the human heart, which tells us all that we are more alike than we are unalike.”― Maya Angelou
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