Timeless Wisdom from a Literary Icon
Maya Angelou was more than just a poet and author—she was a voice of resilience, courage, and hope. Born in 1928, Angelou overcame a childhood of trauma and adversity to become one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century. Her works, including the iconic autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, explore themes of identity, race, and empowerment. Angelou’s words continue to inspire millions around the world, offering timeless wisdom on life, love, courage, and the human spirit. In this blog, we’ve curated some of her most powerful quotes, categorized by theme, to help you find inspiration and strength in her words.
Quotes on Life and Living
Maya Angelou’s insights on life remind us to embrace every moment, learn from our experiences, and live authentically. Her words encourage us to find joy in the journey and to rise above challenges with grace and determination.
“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.”
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
“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.”
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.”
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
Quotes on Love and Relationships
Angelou’s reflections on love and relationships highlight the importance of self-love, compassion, and connection. Her words remind us that love is a powerful force that can heal, inspire, and transform.
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
“I am grateful to have been loved and to be loved now and to be able to love.”
“Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.”
“We need joy as we need air. We need love as we need water. We need each other as we need the earth we share.”
“Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time.”
“I do not trust people who don’t love themselves and yet tell me, ‘I love you.’ There is an African saying which is: Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt.”
“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.”
“I sustain myself with the love of my family.”
“Love life, engage in it, give it all you’ve got.
Love it with a passion because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it.”
“The love of the family, the love of one person can heal. It heals the scars left by a larger society.”
Quotes on Courage and Resilience
Maya Angelou’s life was a testament to courage and resilience. Her quotes on these themes inspire us to face challenges head-on, rise above adversity, and find strength within ourselves.
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
“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.”
“Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances.”
“You don’t have to be a victim of your past. You can be the architect of your future.”
“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.”
“We need much less than we think we need.”
“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”
Quotes on Empowerment and Self-Worth
Angelou’s words on empowerment and self-worth encourage us to embrace our uniqueness, stand tall in our truth, and recognize our inherent value.
“I am a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.”
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”
“If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
“I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.”
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
“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.”
“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”
“Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.”
Quotes on Hope and Inspiration
Maya Angelou’s words are a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us to keep dreaming, believing, and striving for a better tomorrow.
“Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite one to stay.”
“Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
“A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.”
“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
“You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot—it’s all there.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
“The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are.”
FAQs About Maya Angelou Quotes
1. What is Maya Angelou most famous for?
Maya Angelou is best known for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and her poetry, including Still I Rise.
2. What themes do Maya Angelou’s quotes often explore?
Her quotes often explore themes of resilience, courage, love, self-worth, and empowerment.
3. Why are Maya Angelou’s quotes so popular?
Her quotes resonate with people because they are deeply insightful, empowering, and universally relatable.
4. Can I use Maya Angelou’s quotes in my writing or speeches?
Yes, but always credit her as the source to honor her legacy.
5. What is Maya Angelou’s most famous quote?
One of her most famous quotes is, “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