Unforgettable Maya Angelou Quotes That Will Change Your Life (2024)

Maya Angelou was one of the most well-renowned American author, memoirist, essayist, poet, and civil rights activist. She had written several books, movies, plays, poems, TV shows, and many more. When Maya Angelou passed away, we lost a guiding light. However, her prolific words will continue to live on. These Maya Angelou quotes will serve as our inspiration in our daily lives.

Maya Angelou inspirational quotes about life inspires us to live passionately and vigorously. Every moment in your life is important so you should make the most of it. Live your life to the fullest. This lady believed that whenever you do something good, you will always be rewarded. Whenever you are having a bad day, these Maya Angelou quotes will surely cheer you up.

These Maya Angelou quotes show us her struggles in life and how she conquered them all. She lived her life gracefully, passionately, and courageously. Maya Angelou sayings are all about love, life, courage, beauty, respect, equality, happiness, success, change, women, and many more. It seems that she can write anything under the sun. She writes beautifully and powerfully. This brilliant author had a way with words and this can be proven with these Maya Angelou quotes.

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Who was Maya Angelou?

Maya Angelou was one of the most talented authors and poets in all time. Due to her magnificent works, she received enormous awards as well as honorary degrees. In 1969, she wrote her first autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Aside from being a famous poet, author, memoirist, and essayist, Angelou was once a journalist in Africa. She is also a good director, producer, dancer, singer, and songwriter.

What is Maya Angelou best known for?

During Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993, Maya Angelou was invited to do an inaugural recitation. In this event, she recited one of her poems, “On the Pulse of Morning.” In 2000, she received the National Medal of Arts. She was also awarded with Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2010. This is considered as one of the highest honors in the country.

What can we glean from Maya Angelou quotes?

Maya Angelou was a passionate writer, yet she also found some time to have a little fun. Most of her works depict the theme of living life to the fullest. Keep in mind that life ca be hard sometimes. These Maya Angelou are filled with lots of positivity to uplift us whenever we are having bad days.

Although Maya Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014, she left us with several valuable lessons in life. We will always cherish her legacy throughout the years to come. Today, we will be sharing with you some of the most memorable Maya Angelou quotes.

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

Everything that you do can influence your life. This means that you have to make sure that you have positive experiences. If you want to be the best in whatever you do, then you must love it. Also, you must be willing to do some sacrifices in order to achieve it.

It’s not good that you should complain all the time. Whenever there is something that you don’t like, you can always look for ways in order to change it. However, if you are caught in an intense situation wherein change is impossible, then try to improvise. Try to look at the situation in a more positive way.

As humans, we have a lot of agencies that govern our lives. These agencies include our feelings, attitudes, and expectations. There are always ways in which you can change the situation. If you can’t find a way to change it, then you might as well move away from it. Hence, the only one that can control your life is you. You have the right to do whatever you want to be.

Some people believe that fate and destiny are just plain coincidence. People should go out there and change their lives. They have their own free will to do so. The first thing that you should do is to decide what you want to do in your life. Afterward, think of ways on what you can do in order to accomplish it. Consider feasible goals, then go out there and take an action. Perhaps it might take some time, or the road might be hard. However, if you believe in your dreams, then you can achieve it.

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

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It is undeniable that life is filled with a lot of defeats. However, keep in mind that these are not permanent. You can always try and try again. If you give up now, then it means that you have accepted your defeat. Don’t let these failures get into you. Remove the agonies in your heart and try to pick yourself up. Keep on trying until you succeed. This is one of the best Maya Angelou quotes that teaches us the virtue of perseverance.

When we are facing defeat, it is important that we should persevere. Whether how many times you stumble, you should get up, dust off the dirt, and try again. Don’t worry, you are not alone. These defeats can happen to anyone. It does not happen to a particular situation only but on most situations. Perhaps other people might experience smoother paths than yours. Nevertheless, the most important thing is you should know how to deal with it. These obstacles do not define us.

In this quote, Angelou taught us an inspiring yet powerful message. If you give up on your first defeat, then you won’t accomplish anything. As human beings, it is only natural that we will encounter difficulties in life. Whenever we fall down, we should get up, take the dust off, and try again. Always keep on trying until you succeed. It does not matter how many defeats you’ve gone through. Regardless what you want to do in your life, you should never give up. Always endure and keep on trying.

3. “All great achievements require time.”

It is a fact that all things take time. Always know that great things can come to those who are willing to wait. One of the most important virtues in life is patience. However, most people do not actually practice it. In today’s modern world, where everything is done faster, a few people do not have the willingness to wait. Most often, we are hesitant in putting more hours in order to accomplish our goals. If you want to achieve your dreams, then you should work hard.

Do you want to start your own business? Do you want to write your own book and become a famous author? Or perhaps you want to become the greatest actor or actress in a movie or TV show. No matter what your dreams are, you should keep on working towards it. Even if your dreams fall apart, you can still rebuild it, so you can keep on going. Keep in mind that nothing will ever work unless you do your work.

Most people are obsessed with overnight success. But what we don’t know is these overnight sensations are not actually happening overnight. Every successful story almost always had their own share of struggles and stress. The thing is, you must not measure your success based on these overnight sensations. Try to measure your success between where you were today and where you were yesterday. Now is the best time to revisit your dreams and goals. Formulate a plan and try to fulfill them. As much as possible aim for a one small accomplishment each day.

4. “Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”

Sometimes life can be very hard and agonizing. This is a reality that we cannot escape. However, there is something beneficial that we can do. We can help others by becoming a positive influence in their life. Our attitudes and actions can greatly influence other people. Hence, we should always remain positive in order to build a chain reaction of positivity. Whenever you talk to someone, you should choose to speak in a positive way. This can help in motivating them. Aside from enhancing their lives, you are also enhancing your own. When someone is having a bad day, try to brighten it up.

This is one of the greatest Maya Angelou quotes that can guide us in our lives. In this metaphor, the rainbow signifies positivity and joy. In this saying, Angelou tries to tell us that we should always be there for others especially when they need us the most. It’s all about being kind, humble, and unselfish to others. There are simple ways of providing joy to others such as giving them a smile, saying a kind word, or offering them some good advice.

But why should you try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud? We all have low moments in our lives. Wouldn’t it be great if there is someone there for you when you are going through your tough times? This is exactly what other people want too. They want to share their darkest moments with someone else. Somebody who will support and help them. Giving kindness and compassion can likely boost their confidence.

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

Having a selfish life means having an empty life. However, if you lived your life caring for others, then this is a great fulfillment. Maya Angelou believes that everyone should propagate compassion. Sarcastic people tend to lead people towards brutality instead of kindness. Yet Angelou is more optimistic. She believed that there is so much kindness and compassion in us.

Caring for someone is something that you should do. Giving compassion to others, allows you to experience an enjoyable life. There are a lot of people out there who desperately needs your love and care. Once they received it from you, then they can return it back to others without any fear. Maya Angelou understood this. That is why, giving compassion is one of the most essential lessons that we learn from her.

In this modern day, most people associate “success” with how much money a person has or how successful his/her business or career is. However, Maya Angelou quotes about success do not actually relate to material things such as money. In fact, her concept of success is much better.

Everyone should work together to care for somebody else. For instance, caring about the health and well being of other people. Poverty and hunger are everywhere. There are so many people who are throwing their foods away. Yet, some people in other parts of the world are wondering if they can still eat tomorrow. We can change this if only you can find it in your heart to care to someone else.

6. “It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.”

This is one of the important teachings that we learn from Maya Angelou. The act of forgiveness is very powerful. Choosing to forgive is one of the most remarkable gifts that you can give to someone and to yourself. It can help in alleviating the guilt that you’ve kept on yourself for a long time. When there is forgiveness, both parties can move forward with their lives. Saying ‘I forgive you’ to someone else is something extraordinary.

Forgiving the people who hurt you can bring you a lot of positive benefits. The relationship or friendship that you have lost can be reclaimed back. You can focus more on other things instead of devoting your time on hatred. Maya Angelou quotes about forgiveness is simple, yet it is so powerful. Forgiveness might be hard, but it is good. Hence, you should start spreading forgiveness in your life now.

Obviously, forgiving the person who hurt you in the past is not an easy thing to do. Nevertheless, freeing yourself from the guilt and the hatred is so incredible. Forgive the people who said “I’m sorry” to you as well as the people who do not say that they’re sorry. You might think that these people do not deserve your forgiveness. However, giving them your forgiveness can make you feel better. It eliminates the grudge that you have been carrying. You owe this to yourself. Forgiving will relive you of the heavy burdens that you have kept in yourself for a long time. After a while, you will feel lighter.

7. “If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.”

Are you having a fantasy or a dream of doing something worthwhile for the world? If so, then you should consider doing the best you can in order to turn your dream into reality. Perhaps you have imagined of transforming people’s lives in order to make it better. Well, you will never know unless you will try your best. Hold on to your dreams.

Maya Angelou’s powerful words and messages have influenced several people. She is the voice behind Black women in the United States. She provides them with positivity. Angelou changed their lives. This means that you also have the potential to change people’s lives. Do you want to become a scientist or a novelist? No matter what your dreams and ambitions are, you can help in transforming the lives of different people all over the world.

Maya Angelou taught us a valuable lesson in this message. She wants us to be the best person that we can be. Hence, you should continue chasing your dreams and keep on believing. Use your wisdom, compassion, and kindness in fulfilling your goals. Transform that fantasy into reality. This is the greatest legacy that Maya gave us.

Have you ever experienced fantasizing? One of the best tools for creativity is imagination. Your mind and intuition work hand in hand in transforming your imagination into reality. First, the mind will collect all the necessary information. Then, your intuition will examine this information in order to determine the best option. Finally, an action will be executed.

8. “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.”

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Maya Angelou explored a variety of topics in her works. Yet, she still finds time to have a little fun. That is why, one of the themes that she frequently used in her works is living life to the fullest. Maya Angelou quotes is filled with positivity and encouragement.

According to Angelou there should a balance between work and life. In order to appreciate life, you should devote your energy and time in every aspect of your life. Whenever you are at work, you should work hard and give everything you’ve got. However, when you are at home, you should leave your work behind. Spend your time on your loved ones. Do the things that you want to do. Always remember that life is short so make the most of it. Don’t waste your time on unnecessary things.

Life is beautiful. Although there are dark moments and difficulties, you should embrace life. Angelou taught us the most important lesson in life. We should go out there and do the things that we want to do. Make each moment count. Avoid regrets and hatred cause its only a waste of time and it can slow you down.

Maya Angelou’s teachings and messages are so encouraging and powerful too! She inspired us to live a life that has a purpose. Angelou was abused at an early age. Aside from this, she also faced a lot of trials throughout her life. However, she still managed to overcome them. It seems that she cannot be crushed by these difficulties in life. Angelou practiced what she preached.

9. “Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean.”

This is one of the most popular Maya Angelou quotes. You should not hold on to bitterness since it can affect everything in your life. You won’t be able to work effectively. It can also affect your relationship with your friends and family. Bitterness can affect your treatment to other people. The best thing to do is to remove bitterness and turn it into something productive. By letting go of your bitterness, you can allow yourself to move forward. You can become the person that you want to be. Actually, Maya Angelou never suggested that we should let go of our anger. Instead, she wanted us to use it as a motivation.

It is not good to feel bitter towards somebody since it will eat you up, just like a cancer. However, when you feel angry, you can always express it, so you can remove it from your chest. In this quote anger is being compared to a fire. Fires can burn fast. In fact, bigger fires can burn quickly than the smaller ones. Once the fire is gone then everything is gone just like your anger.

However, you should not let anger and bitterness destroy you. Anger and bitterness can prevent you from thinking clearly. It will allow you to do bad things which you will mostly regret for the rest of your life. Let go of your anger and bitterness by keeping yourself calm and stable. Instead of feeling anger and bitterness, why not show them your kindness and compassion.

10. “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.”

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As human beings, we have emotions. When it comes to responding to various situations, we often use logic and instinct. However, our emotions have more control on our attitudes. Hence, it is important that we should consider other people’s feelings. Sometimes we often forget what they’re saying to us, but we cannot forget how we feel towards them.

Maya Angelou conveys this message excellently. It is important that you should bring a positive influence for everyone. In this way, people will remember you for your goodness. You must choose your words carefully when talking to someone else. Also, you must be cautious with your actions. Basically, people will determine how they feel about you through your words and actions.

Angelou was highly admired for her discerning wisdom and fervent vision on race and independence. In this quote, she believed that your kindness and your graciousness are the best legacies that you can leave behind. People will remember you for your actions rather than the words that you’ve said. Obviously, we want them to remember us for the right reasons rather than the wrong ones. It’s nice when people remember us for the love and care that we’ve given them. How about you? How would you want people to remember you?

Maya Angelou died in 2014. Undeniably, we’ve always remembered her as the African-American poet and author who became a great influence in our lives. She inspired us to reach our goals and to be the best person that we can be.

Aside from Maya Angelou, there are still a lot of great writers out there. However, there are only a few who are excellent with words just like Angelou. No matter what dreams we are trying to pursue, we must learn from those who have come before us. In these Maya Angelou quotes, we’ve learned that we are responsible for our own actions. We must work hard in order to attain what we want in life.

Do you have some Maya Angelou quotes that you want to share with us? If so, then just let us know in the comments section below! If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, then please share this to others!

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