Maya Angelou Quotes on Life, Love and Happiness

I really think that you will enjoy reading the following wonderful collection of Maya Angelou Quotes.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1928, Maya Angelou overcame a childhood marked by racism and trauma to become a globally celebrated poet, author, activist, and educator.

Maya Angelou’s quotes urge each of us to rise above adversity, embrace our unique selves, and strive for a more compassionate and just world.

I’ve carefully selected the following Maya Angelou Quotes, not just for their beauty, but for their power to uplift, inspire, and empower you.

Whether you are seeking strength in the face of hardship, self-acceptance in a world that often demands conformity, or hope for a brighter future, these quotes will fill you with self belief, courage and positivity.

 

Maya Angelou Quotes

1. “If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love.” – Maya Angelou

 

2. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou

 

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

 

4. “My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.” – Maya Angelou

 

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

 

 

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

 

7. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou

 

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

 

9. “Life is going to give you just what you put in it. Put your whole heart in everything you do, and pray, then you can wait.” – Maya Angelou

 

Maya Angelou Motivational Quotes

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.” – Maya Angelou

 

 

11. “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou

 

12. “In all my work, what I try to say is that as human beings, we are more alike than we are unalike.” – Maya Angelou

 

13. “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” – Maya Angelou

 

14. “Nothing will work unless you do.” – Maya Angelou

 

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

 

 

16. “I believe that every person is born with talent.” – Maya Angelou

 

17. “Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude. If I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow. Today I am blessed.” – Maya Angelou

 

18. “Being free is being able to accept people for what they are, and not try to understand all they are or be what they are.” – Maya Angelou

 

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

 

Inspirational Maya Angelou Quotes

20. “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou

 

 

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

 

22. “Life offers us tickets to places which we have not knowingly asked for.” – Maya Angelou

 

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

 

24. “All great achievements require time.” – Maya Angelou

 

25. “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” – Maya Angelou

 

 

26. “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.” – Maya Angelou

 

27. “Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.” – Maya Angelou

 

28. “If our children are to approve of themselves, they must see that we approve of ourselves.” – Maya Angelou

 

29. “No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.” – Maya Angelou

 

Best Maya Angelou Quotes

30. “Success is loving life and daring to live it.” – Maya Angelou

 

 

31. “Having courage does not mean that we are unafraid. Having courage and showing courage means we face our fears.” – Maya Angelou

 

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

 

33. “Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.” – Maya Angelou

 

34. “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” – Maya Angelou

 

35. “Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.” – Maya Angelou

 

 

36. “A person is the product of their dreams. So make sure to dream great dreams. And then try to live your dream.” – Maya Angelou

 

37. “Love costs all we are and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free.” – Maya Angelou

 

38. “One must learn to care for oneself first, so that one can then dare to care for someone else.” – Maya Angelou

 

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

 

40. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou

 

 

Maya Angelou’s words of wisdom continue to resonate with people from all over the world , transcending time and inspiring generations.

Allow the above Maya Angelou quotes to ignite a spark within you, pushing you to embrace your individuality, rise above any challenges, feel more grateful and look for the beauty in every moment.

 

Maya Angelou Biography:

Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri.

She was a celebrated American author, poet, civil rights activist, and memoirist. Her life journey was a testament to her resilience and positive human spirit.

Growing up in a racially segregated society, Maya Angelou faced numerous challenges and hardships. During her childhood, she endured the trauma of being sexually assaulted at the age of seven.

This traumatic experience left her mute for several years, but it was during this period of silence that she discovered the transformative power of literature and poetry. Through reading, Maya Angelou found solace, inspiration, and the courage to reclaim her voice.

In her early adulthood, Maya Angelou’s passion for artistic expression led her to pursue a career as a performer. She became a professional dancer, singer, and actress, touring internationally and captivating audiences with her talent. However, it was her journey into writing that would solidify her status as a literary icon.

Maya Angelou’s breakthrough came with her memoir, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” published in 1969. The book courageously highlighted her own experiences of racism, trauma, and personal growth. It became an instant bestseller and a literary sensation, solidifying her place in American literature.

Throughout her career, Maya Angelou wrote numerous books, poems, plays, and essays, exploring themes of identity, race, womanhood, and spirituality. Her writing is renowned for its honesty, lyrical prose, and unwavering commitment to championing social justice.

In addition to her literary achievements, Maya Angelou was an active advocate for civil rights and equality. She worked closely with prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, using her voice to speak out against racial injustice and oppression.

Maya Angelou’s impact extended far beyond her literary contributions. She served as an inspirational figure for aspiring writers, artists, and activists, inspiring countless people to embrace their own unique stories and voices. Maya Angelou’s remarkable life journey and her unwavering commitment to truth, social equality, and compassion made her an inspirational icon.