Top 150 Famous Quotes By Maya Angelou (With Meanings)

Maya Angelou was an amazing writer, poet, and civil rights activist who inspired many people with her powerful words. Her quotes are not just famous; they carry deep meaning and wisdom. Whether talking about love, courage, or overcoming obstacles, her sayings have a way of touching our hearts and making us think. Angelou’s words remind us of the strength we all have within us to rise above challenges.

Today, we’ll look at some of her most memorable quotes. Each one offers valuable lessons that we can carry with us in our daily lives. Get ready to feel inspired by the thoughts of this incredible woman!

Famous Quotes By Maya Angelou

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can control your attitude toward them.”Maya Angelou

This quote teaches us that while we cannot always influence every situation we find ourselves in, we do have the power to choose how we react. It reminds us that our attitude can shape our experiences and the way we handle difficulties. By focusing on maintaining a positive outlook, we can navigate through life’s ups and downs more effectively.

“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 stresses the significance of emotional connections in our interactions. We might not always remember the specific words or actions, but the feelings we create in others last a lifetime. It encourages us to be thoughtful and considerate in our dealings with people, fostering relationships built on understanding and compassion.

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”Maya Angelou

“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”Maya Angelou

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”Maya Angelou

“Nothing will work unless you do.”Maya Angelou

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

“The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.”Maya Angelou

“We need much less than we think we need.”Maya Angelou

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

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”Maya Angelou

“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.”Maya Angelou

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”Maya Angelou

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”Maya Angelou

“The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.”Maya Angelou

“I’m convinced that I can do anything that I set my mind to.”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

“It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive.” Maya Angelou

“We can find the strength to overcome adversity by learning to trust ourselves.”Maya Angelou

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

“The ability to read awoke inside me some long dormant craving to be mentally alive.”Maya Angelou

“I want to be known for my work, not my achievements.”Maya Angelou

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”Maya Angelou

“You are enough just as you are.”Maya Angelou

“The true test of a leader is what they do with their power.”Maya Angelou

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

“Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.”Maya Angelou

This quote speaks to the interconnectedness of life. Recognizing that we are part of a grand design can help us appreciate the harmony around us. By embracing the rhythm of our own lives, we can find joy in even the simplest moments.

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”Maya Angelou

“Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told, ‘I’m with you, kid. Let’s go.’Maya Angelou

This quote encourages us to embrace life with enthusiasm. It suggests taking charge and approaching experiences with a sense of adventure. When we commit to living fully, we open ourselves up to a wealth of opportunities and joyful moments.

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

“I believe we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”Maya Angelou

“I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.”Maya Angelou

“As long as you’re not hurting anyone, the world is yours to explore.”Maya Angelou

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”Maya Angelou

“I strive to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”Maya Angelou

“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”Maya Angelou

“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”Maya Angelou

“If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”Maya Angelou

“We need much less than we think we need.”Maya Angelou

“You cannot use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”Maya Angelou

“Let your joy be in your journey, not in some distant goal.”Maya Angelou

“I don’t trust people who don’t love themselves and yet tell me, ‘I love you.’Maya Angelou

“There is no greater love than that of a mother.”Maya Angelou

“If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”Maya Angelou

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them.”Maya Angelou

“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”Maya Angelou

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”Maya Angelou

“I am a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.”Maya Angelou

“The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.”Maya Angelou

“Remember, you are not just a number. You are a human being with incredible potential.”Maya Angelou

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

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”Maya Angelou

“If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”Maya Angelou

“You are not the opinion of somebody who doesn’t know you.”Maya Angelou

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”Maya Angelou

“The only thing that has ever changed my life is myself.”Maya Angelou

“You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”Maya Angelou

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”Maya Angelou

Final Thoughts

Maya Angelou’s words shine a light on the importance of self-worth, resilience, and compassion. She reminds us that our attitudes can shape our experiences, and our actions can inspire change. The quotes we’ve explored reflect her profound understanding of human nature and the strength we each possess. Let’s carry these lessons with us, embracing the beauty in our journeys and the connections we create along the way.

Reflecting on Angelou’s wisdom encourages us to foster kindness and celebrate our individuality. Her powerful words can guide us to live more authentically while uplifting others. Let us continue to share her insights as we navigate our own paths and empower those around us on their journeys.

For more enchanting quotes and insights, feel free to explore further topics like Maya Angelou Quotes and Dr. Maya Angelou Quotes.