On a chilly January morning in 1993, Maya Angelou stood before the Capitol, her powerful voice ringing out across the National Mall.
As she recited “On the Pulse of Morning” at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration,1 she became the first African American and the first woman to deliver an inaugural poem. Her words that day, much like her life’s work, spoke of hope, unity, and the human spirit’s resilience.
Today, years after her passing, Angelou’s words continue to resonate, offering guidance, hope, and inspiration to people around the world. Here are 11 of her most essential quotes that will change your perspective and inspire you to live your best life.
1. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Source: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969)
This powerful quote emphasizes the importance of self-expression and sharing our experiences. Angelou reminds us that holding onto our stories can be painful, and that there is healing in sharing them with others.
This quote inspires us to find the courage to tell our own stories and to listen to the stories of others.
2. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
Source: Conversations with Maya Angelou (1989)
Angelou’s words encourage us to take control of our lives and to actively work towards creating the change we want to see. She reminds us that even when we can’t change our circumstances, we can always change our perspective and approach to life.
3. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Source: Letter to My Daughter (2009)
These words are especially moving considering Maya Angelou’s life. She faced many difficulties, but as her quote says, she was not reduced by any of them.
This quote inspires us to develop resilience and to maintain a determined spirit in the pursuit of our goals.
4. “You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise.”
Source: “Still I Rise” from And Still I Rise (1978)
This powerful excerpt from Angelou’s famous poem “Still I Rise” speaks to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Despite facing adversity, discrimination, and hatred, Angelou reminds us that we have the power to rise above it all and to continue moving forward with grace and dignity.
5. “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
Source: Letter to My Daughter (2009)
This beautiful quote encourages us to be a source of positivity and support for others. Angelou reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference in someone’s life, simply by being there for them and offering a kind word or gesture.
6. “I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
Source: Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now (1993)
Angelou suggests that when we approach choices with sincerity and without prejudice, we’re more likely to choose wisely. It encourages us to listen to our hearts and to make decisions that align with our true selves.
7. “The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind.”
Source: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969)
This vivid metaphor illustrates how the realization of necessary change can be a powerful force in our lives. Angelou describes the transformative impact of recognizing the need for change, suggesting that it can clear a path for new thoughts and perspectives.
8. “All great achievements require time.”
Source: Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now (1993)
With these words, Angelou reminds us of the value of patience and persistence in pursuing our goals. She encourages us to understand that significant accomplishments don’t happen overnight, but require dedication and consistent effort over time.
9. “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”
Source: Maya Angelou: The Complete Poetry (2015)
Angelou suggests that conformity can limit our potential, while embracing our true selves can lead to discovering our extraordinary capabilities. It inspires us to be authentic, to step outside our comfort zones, and to explore the full extent of our talents and potential.
10. “Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.”
Source: All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986)
In this thought-provoking quote, Angelou sheds light on the far-reaching consequences of prejudice. She emphasizes how prejudice can distort our understanding of the past, creating a false narrative that hinders our ability to learn from history.
11. “Lift up your hearts. Each new hour holds new chances for new beginnings.”
Source: “On the Pulse of Morning” from The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou (1994)
Angelou encourages us to approach life with a renewed sense of hope and possibility. She reminds us that each passing hour presents us with a clean slate, offering countless opportunities for personal growth, transformation, and fresh starts.
Source:
1. The Atlantic
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
