Maya Angelou was a remarkable writer, poet, and civil rights activist. She used her words to inspire many people around the world. Her famous quotes are filled with wisdom about love, strength, and courage. They encourage us to believe in ourselves and to stand up for what is right.
Today, we will look at some of her most powerful quotes and what they mean. These words can motivate us to face challenges and embrace our uniqueness. Whether you’re looking for guidance or just a spark of inspiration, Maya Angelou’s quotes are sure to uplift your spirit.
Maya Angelou Famous 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.” – Maya Angelou
This quote teaches us that our actions and words might fade from memory, but the emotional impact we have on others lasts forever. When we consider how we treat people, we should remember that empathy and kindness can leave lasting impressions. This serves as a reminder for us to uplift each other and take extra care with our words and deeds.
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” – Maya Angelou
“We’ve got to face the fact that our leaders are not leading.” – Maya Angelou
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” – Maya Angelou
“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” – Maya Angelou
“The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hubs is human.” – Maya Angelou
“Nothing will work unless you do.” – Maya Angelou
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou
“I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as making a ‘life’.” – Maya Angelou
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Maya Angelou
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou
“The caged bird sings for freedom.” – Maya Angelou
“If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?” – Maya Angelou
“Nothing is as important as your own voice.” – Maya Angelou
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can control your attitude toward them.” – Maya Angelou
“I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as making a ‘life’.” – Maya Angelou
“If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.” – Maya Angelou
“I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.” – Maya Angelou
“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” – Maya Angelou
“People will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
“You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot — it’s all there.” – Maya Angelou
“I don’t believe an accident of birth makes people suitable to be leaders.” – Maya Angelou
“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou
“I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.” – Maya Angelou
“Life is a mixture of all your choices.” – Maya Angelou
“A wise woman once said, ‘I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn’.” – Maya Angelou
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou
“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” – Maya Angelou
“I sustain myself with the love of family.” – Maya Angelou
“The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear.” – Maya Angelou
“I know that I am not a poet, but I am a writer.” – Maya Angelou
“I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.” – Maya Angelou
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou
“You can only become great at something you are willing to sacrifice for.” – Maya Angelou
“The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it changes them.” – Maya Angelou
“In diversity, there is beauty and strength.” – Maya Angelou
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” – Maya Angelou
“The truth is, I’m learning that it’s not the destination that counts: each moment is a journey.” – Maya Angelou
“The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear.” – Maya Angelou
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Maya Angelou
“To be a great leader, you have to educate yourself every day.” – Maya Angelou
“We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” – Maya Angelou
“The greatest gift you can give is your time and attention.” – Maya Angelou
“What is to give light must endure burning.” – Maya Angelou
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” – Maya Angelou
“Every time I choose to love, I encounter change.” – Maya Angelou
Final Thoughts
Maya Angelou’s quotes guide us through life with encouraging words of wisdom. They remind us to embrace our uniqueness, show kindness, and continue learning. Each quote inspires us to cultivate resilience, strength, and compassion in our lives. By sharing these teachings, we can uplift and support one another on our journeys.
As we reflect on these powerful messages, let’s commit to being a source of light in our communities. We can encourage one another to pursue our dreams while celebrating the strength found within diversity. Each of us has a unique story to share, and together, we can find growth and connection.
If you’ve enjoyed exploring Maya Angelou’s insights, consider reading more quotes from inspiring figures like Kamala Harris and Ella Baker. Their words can motivate you further as you continue to seek inspiration and personal growth.