Maya Angelou, an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist, authored seven autobiographies and several poetry books. She was known for her autobiographical writing style and was also nominated for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize once. Her impactful works, including “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” and “Still I Rise,” evoke profound emotions of humanity, dignity, and courage. Her works openly addressed the widespread issue of racism and equality for blacks and women. Despite all obstacles, she is known for her optimistic views, conversational writing style, and inspiring poetries. Let’s read through some of the best Maya Angelou quotes and remember the legacy she left behind.
1. “I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.”
Hate is a strong word.
2.“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Always put your best foot forward.
3.“If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?”
Like the phoenix, I shall rise too.
4.“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
Do good and good will come to you.
5.“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have”
Creativity never ends.
6.“You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may tread me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”
You can’t offer someone something that is not there within you.
7.“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”
Start living and not just surviving.
8.“If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”
Being kind to yourself is as important as being kind to others.
9.“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
Win over people’s hearts.
10.“I don’t trust people who don’t love themselves and tell me, ‘I love you.’ There is an African saying which is: Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt.”
Creativity is endless.
11.“I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life’.”
Everything in this world dances to its own music.
12.“The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.”
Cheerful givers do not count the cost of what they give.
13.“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
Know your worth.
14.“Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art.”
You only live once so might as well live to the fullest.
15.“Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.”
Good or bad, this too shall pass.
16.“No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.”
Don’t trust anybody who doesn’t cherish happiness.
17.” Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.”
Spread joy to others.
18.“I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
Make your life the best adventure.
19. “Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.”
Your heart knows what’s best for you.
20. “Live as though life was created for you.”
You only live once, so live it fully.
Maya Angelou was honoured and appreciated for her literary efforts worldwide. In 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded her the National Medal of Arts. She also received numerous other accolades, such as induction into the Wake Forest University Hall of Fame and the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community. She became the first Black woman honored on a U.S. quarter when the United States Mint released coins featuring her in January 2022 as part of the American Women Quarters series.
She passed away in the year 2014, but her literary works, essays, speeches, and poems continue to inspire future generations. I hope that you found all the above-mentioned Maya Angelou quotes motivating.
Also read: 15 Profound Carl Jung Quotes That Inspire Self-Reflection