When it comes to iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on both literature and society, Maya Angelou’s name sits right at the top. Her words have shaped generations, offering a blend of wisdom, strength, and humor that continues to resonate. Let’s face it, Maya didn’t just write quotes—she crafted them like an artisan, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary truths.
In this post, we’re exploring into the top 100 Maya Angelou quotes—yes, all 100!—but with a twist. It’s not just a list; it’s like having a chat about life with your most enlightened, hilarious, and honest friend (who also happens to be Maya Angelou). So, buckle up! You’re in for wisdom, some hearty laughs, and a lot of those “wow, that’s so true” moments.
1. “You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.”
This one right here is like Maya saying, “Yeah, life’s gonna knock you down, but you better get back up.” It’s a nudge to build resilience, because the defeats don’t define us, our response to them does.
2. “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
Picture it: you’re having the worst day, and someone does something kind—suddenly, the whole world seems a bit brighter. Maya is reminding us we can be that person for others. Easy, right? Just spread the love.
3. “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
This quote is basically the evolution of human growth in a nutshell. No one’s born wise—well, except maybe Maya Angelou. But for the rest of us, it’s about learning, evolving, and constantly improving.
4. “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
Sound familiar? Yep, it’s a theme. Maya’s not about giving up, and she’s making sure we aren’t either. Life’s got enough quitters—be the one who sticks it out.
5. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
Let’s talk about redefining success, shall we? Forget the fancy cars and the big house; Maya’s all about internal satisfaction. Love yourself and your work, and that’s true success. Maybe with a little extra cash wouldn’t hurt, but you get the point.
6. “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.”
Oh, she nailed it. Merely getting through life? Nah, not enough. Let’s throw in a dash of fabulous and enjoy the ride with some style and grace. You don’t just survive a bad day; you laugh at it while looking fierce.
7. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Life can be unfair. Heck, it often is. But Maya’s saying, don’t let it diminish you. Rise above, even if you need to pull yourself up from the dirt.
8. “Nothing will work unless you do.”
If you’ve ever wanted the secret to success, here it is. Short, simple, and sweet. You gotta put in the work. Netflix marathons are fun, but they won’t write your next masterpiece.
9. “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”
This is the circle of life but in knowledge and generosity form. Maya’s advice here is like good karma on steroids. The more you give, the more you receive.
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.”
Every interaction leaves an emotional footprint. We might forget words, but the feelings linger. So, make sure your presence is a positive one. No one likes the energy-sucker in the room.
11. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
There’s a solution to every problem—even if the only solution is changing how you see it. Maya’s teaching us to master the art of perspective shifts. Game-changer.
12. “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
Let’s be real, it takes guts to be good, to be honest, to love fiercely. Courage is the foundation of all the other virtues. It’s like the battery that powers everything else.
13. “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
If you’ve ever feared “running out” of creativity, breathe easy. Maya assures us there’s more where that came from. It’s an infinite resource, so start creating!
14. “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
We all get knocked around by life, but Maya’s telling us we don’t have to be diminished by it. Evolve, adapt, and keep moving forward, stronger.
15. “I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life.’”
Preach, Maya, preach! Sure, the 9-to-5 pays the bills, but are you truly living? Don’t let life pass you by while you’re chasing that paycheck.
16. “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
Butterflies aren’t born that way. It takes a messy, transformative process to get there. This one’s a metaphor for life—transformation is hard, but oh so worth it.
17. “I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
Gut instinct and heart-led decisions? They rarely steer you wrong. It’s a gentle reminder to trust yourself a little more.
18. “Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.”
Maya doesn’t mince words here. Know your worth, and don’t settle for being someone’s backup plan. You’re better than that!
19. “If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.”
It’s about giving the best of ourselves to those who matter most. And sometimes, all you need to do is share a little joy.
20. “I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”
Just because life hurts doesn’t mean we have to spread that negativity around. Maya’s telling us to handle our pain with grace—and maybe a bit of humor.
21. “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”
Let that sink in for a second. You. Are. Enough. Full stop. No need for validation from anyone else.
22. “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.”
This quote embodies resilience. No matter what the world throws at you, rise above. Fly high.
23. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
Love conquers all. Period. It doesn’t see obstacles, only opportunities. And that’s the beauty of it.
24. “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”
Real success isn’t measured in dollars or status, but in the ability to love and care for others. Simple as that.
25. “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
Ah, the ultimate advice on dealing with people. Pay attention to actions, not just words. People will reveal themselves—trust what you see.
26. “We are only as blind as we want to be.”
Oof, this is the kind of truth that stings a bit, doesn’t it? Sometimes, we’re willfully ignorant, choosing not to see what’s right in front of us because it’s easier than facing reality. Maya calls us out—and we needed it.
27. “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
This might be a quote that you’ve seen plastered on Instagram or framed in someone’s living room, but there’s a reason it’s so popular. It’s a sweet reminder to savor life’s extraordinary moments.
28. “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal.”
Maya’s basically telling us: Don’t chase the paycheck; chase the passion. If you love what you do, the success (and, hopefully, the money) will follow. And if not, at least you’ll enjoy the ride!
29. “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.”
Work hard, play hard—it’s a balance. But what really stands out is the idea that life “loves the liver of it.” Life gives back to those who embrace it fully. So go on, live a little!
30. “Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean.”
Bitterness corrodes you from the inside out. But anger? Properly harnessed, it can be a cleansing force, driving you to make change. Maya’s dropping emotional wisdom left and right here.
31. “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”
Normal is boring. Maya is giving us permission—no, encouragement—to embrace our weirdness and stand out. Who wants to be cookie-cutter when you can be extraordinary?
32. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
If you’ve ever felt the need to create, express, or tell your truth, this quote probably hits home. Keeping your voice stifled? That’s the real pain.
33. “Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time.”
Who knew love could be contagious? Maya paints love as something unpredictable but all-consuming. Catch it if you can, but don’t expect a cure!
34. “I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”
Yes, life can hurt—but you don’t have to spread that pain around like bad vibes at a party. Maya’s telling us to handle our stuff without being that person.
35. “I respect myself and insist upon it from everybody. And because I do it, I then respect everybody, too.”
Respect is reciprocal. If you hold yourself to a standard, others will follow. Maya’s setting boundaries here, and they’re solid!
36. “All great achievements require time.”
Patience, young grasshopper! Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your masterpiece be. Maya’s telling us to trust the process and give ourselves the time we need to achieve greatness.
37. “I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.”
Ever met someone who doesn’t laugh? Kind of unsettling, right? Maya’s pointing out that laughter is a universal sign of a good heart, and she’s not wrong.
38. “If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.”
Hold on to that grin and use it wisely. When life feels tough, save that smile for the ones who make it all worth it. It’s like your secret superpower.
39. “Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.”
Hate is one of those emotions that gets us nowhere fast. Maya’s calling it out for what it is—an unproductive force that only destroys.
40. “A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.”
Here’s a quote for the modern-day warrior. You don’t need enemies, and you certainly don’t need to play the victim. Take control, be strong, and carry on.
41. “Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant.”
Ah, surviving vs. thriving. It’s one thing to just get through life, but it’s a whole other thing to do it with style and grace. Maya’s all about that elegance.
42. “I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
Leading with your heart isn’t about being naive; it’s about being true to yourself. Maya’s advocating for decisions that align with who you really are.
43. “The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.”
Ambition is all well and good, but don’t forget about the human element. You can be ambitious and still care deeply about others. Maya’s advocating for a balance of head and heart.
44. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
It’s not about what happens to you—it’s about how you respond. This is a gentle reminder from Maya that we always have a choice, even when it feels like we don’t.
45. “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.”
Ah, the quote that launched a thousand inspirational posters. This one’s a favorite because it cuts to the core of human interaction. Feelings are what stick with us.
46. “If one has courage, nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”
Maya’s reminding us here that courage is the spark that keeps your inner light shining, even in the darkest times. Stay bright, my friends.
47. “I’m grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.”
With a wink and a nod, Maya’s celebrating the power and grace of being a woman. It’s not just a role—it’s a privilege.
48. “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”
Why settle for ordinary when you were born to be extraordinary? Maya’s encouraging us to break out of the mold and embrace our quirks.
49. “Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.”
Prejudice isn’t just harmful; it’s debilitating. It blinds us to what’s happening right now and stunts any progress. Maya’s calling for clarity.
50. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
Sometimes, the only thing you can control is your perspective. And that? That can make all the difference.
51. “Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.”
This one’s the ultimate “know your worth” mantra. Don’t waste time on people who don’t value you—Maya’s got better things for you to do!
52. “Nothing will work unless you do.”
Simple, direct, and to the point. Maya’s giving us a reality check here: put in the work if you want to see results.
53. “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
There’s a difference between losing and being a loser. Maya’s all about keeping your chin up and staying resilient.
54. “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”
In a world that loves to point out differences, Maya’s wisdom is a gentle reminder that we’re all in this together. More alike than different, indeed.
55. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
Success isn’t about what you have; it’s about how you feel. Maya’s redefining success in a way that’s both empowering and realistic.
56. “Courage allows the successful woman to fail—and learn powerful lessons from the failure—so that in the end, she didn’t fail at all.”
Failure isn’t the end, it’s just a stepping stone. Courage is what turns those stumbles into learning experiences. You might fall, but with Maya’s wisdom, you’ll always rise stronger.
57. “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”
It’s like she’s hammering this point home for us: defeat isn’t final. It’s just another challenge to overcome. Consider it a plot twist in your life story!
58. “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”
Maya’s telling us that our inner light—our passion, spirit, essence—can’t be snuffed out by external circumstances. Keep shining, even on your darkest days.
59. “Seek patience and passion in equal amounts. Patience alone will not build the temple. Passion alone will destroy its walls.”
Balance is the key. Too much passion can lead to burnout, and too much patience can stall progress. Maya is serving up some serious life wisdom here.
60. “We spend precious hours fearing the inevitable. It would be wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends, and living our lives.”
Why waste time on fear when you could be using that energy on love and connection? Fear only takes away from the things that truly matter in life.
61. “I believe that the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity, is daring to dare.”
Success doesn’t come to those who play it safe. Maya reminds us to take risks and be bold in our pursuit of greatness.
62. “I’m convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere.”
The ripple effect of kindness is real. A good deed, no matter how small or where it’s done, reverberates throughout the world. Maya is advocating for kindness as a universal force.
63. “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
Home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling of safety, belonging, and acceptance. Maya’s words remind us how important it is to find that place, whether physically or emotionally.
64. “You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been.”
Understanding your past is crucial to moving forward. Maya’s emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and learning from our history, both personal and collective.
65. “I sustain myself with the love of family.”
Family is one of life’s greatest sources of strength and nourishment. Maya found her anchor in family, and she encourages us to do the same.
66. “A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself.”
There’s no need to pretend or conform. When you’re in tune with who you are, you move through life with grace and purpose—just like a river.
67. “Nothing so frightens me as writing, but nothing so satisfies me. It is like a physical act.”
Even for a literary giant like Maya, writing was a challenge. But she’s reminding us that the things that scare us the most can also bring the greatest fulfillment.
68. “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”
Success isn’t about fame or wealth—it’s about caring for others. Maya’s telling us that the true measure of a life well-lived is how much love we give.
69. “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”
Why fit in when you were born to stand out? Normal is overrated. Maya’s nudging us to embrace our uniqueness and let our true selves shine.
70. “My life has been one great big joke, a dance that’s walked, a song that’s spoken. I laugh so hard I almost choke when I think about myself.”
Maya’s humor and humility shine here. She’s not afraid to laugh at herself, reminding us that life is a mix of the serious and the absurd—and we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously.
71. “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”
Generosity is a two-way street. Giving and receiving with an open heart creates a cycle of blessings. It’s Maya’s beautiful take on the importance of gratitude.
72. “We are only as blind as we want to be.”
Denial is powerful. Maya’s pointing out that often, we don’t see things simply because we choose not to. It’s a call to open our eyes and confront reality head-on.
73. “If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?”
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. If you don’t show yourself love and respect, how can you expect others to? Maya’s preaching the importance of self-worth.
74. “Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency.”
Courage is the foundation of all virtues. Without it, kindness, honesty, and love can’t thrive. Maya’s highlighting courage as the root of all good.
75. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Life is unpredictable, but we can control how we react. Maya’s teaching us to rise above our circumstances and maintain our dignity, no matter what happens.
76. “The love of the family, the love of one person, can heal. It heals the scars left by a larger society.”
Maya reminds us that the love of even one person can be a powerful force of healing. When the world seems cold, family and close relationships can be our refuge.
77. “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”
Sometimes we express ourselves not because we have solutions, but because we need to express. Maya’s metaphor of the singing bird speaks to the inherent joy of simply being.
78. “I got my own back.”
If you don’t have your own back, who will? Maya’s celebrating self-reliance and confidence, reminding us that we are our own best advocates.
79. “Most people don’t grow up. It’s too damn difficult. What happens is most people get older. That’s the truth of it.”
Growing older is easy—growing up is the challenge. Maya’s pointing out that maturity isn’t just about age, but about introspection, learning, and changing.
80. “All men are prepared to accomplish the incredible if their ideals are threatened.”
People will rise to great heights when something they believe in is at stake. Maya’s noting how ideals can inspire extraordinary action.
81. “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”
We can’t change the past, but we can learn from it. Courage allows us to confront history and ensure its mistakes aren’t repeated.
82. “We need much less than we think we need.”
Maya’s serving up some minimalist wisdom here. We often overestimate what we need to be happy—when really, life’s essentials are pretty simple.
83. “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.”
Gratitude isn’t just an action—it’s a way of being. Maya’s advocating for making it a daily practice, something to rest upon each night.
84. “The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free.”
Our freedom is tied to the freedom of others. Maya’s reminding us that liberation is collective—no one gets left behind.
85. “I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.”
Home isn’t just a physical place—it’s a state of mind. Maya’s desire to feel “at home” wherever she goes speaks to the universal need for belonging.
86. “You can’t forgive without loving. And I don’t mean sentimentality. I don’t mean mush. I mean having enough courage to stand up and say, ‘I forgive. I’m finished with it.’”
Forgiveness isn’t about weakness or passivity. It’s a powerful, courageous act that frees both parties. Maya’s teaching us that true forgiveness takes strength.
87. “Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.”
Maya’s recipe for life: optimism, realism, and flexibility. Be hopeful, but don’t be blindsided by life’s twists and turns.
88. “Some people cannot see a good thing when it is right here, right now.”
We often overlook the good in our lives because we’re too busy searching for what’s next. Maya’s encouraging us to recognize and appreciate the blessings we already have.
89. “It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.”
Forgiveness isn’t just for the person who wronged you—it’s a gift to yourself. Maya knows that holding onto grudges only harms us.
90. “We need joy as we need air.”
Joy is as essential to life as breathing. Maya’s reminding us to prioritize joy—it’s not a luxury, but a necessity.
91. “I do my best because I’m counting on you counting on me.”
Responsibility to others can be a powerful motivator. Maya’s sense of duty drives her to give her best, knowing others are relying on her.
92. “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
Giving isn’t just about helping others—it’s also a way to free yourself. Maya’s insight into generosity is profound and liberating.
93. “I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”
Life can be tough, but we don’t have to spread that negativity around. Maya’s advocating for resilience with a dash of humor.
94. “Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: ‘I’m with you kid. Let’s go.’”
Grab life and take charge. Maya’s message here is about living boldly and embracing the adventure with enthusiasm.
95. “One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential.”
Courage isn’t innate—it’s developed. But the potential for courage is in all of us, just waiting to be unlocked.
96. “I don’t trust people who don’t love themselves and tell me, ‘I love you.’”
If you can’t love yourself, how can you truly love anyone else? Maya’s sharp observation reminds us of the importance of self-love in healthy relationships.
97. “Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.”
Life’s rhythm is constant. Whether we’re aware of it or not, we’re all dancing to the universe’s beat. Maya’s poetic imagery is pure magic here.
98. “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.”
Life isn’t just about taking—it’s about giving, too. Maya’s reminder here is all about reciprocity and balance.
99. “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 didn’t just aim to get by—she wanted to live with purpose, joy, and flair. This is a life motto we could all adopt.
100. “When you know better, you do better.”
And finally, Maya’s most empowering reminder: learning is lifelong, and with each new insight, we’re capable of growing and improving. Knowledge leads to action, and that’s how we evolve.
Final Thoughts
Maya Angelou’s words have a way of making us feel seen, inspired, and understood. Whether you’re searching for motivation, wisdom, or just a bit of comfort, these 100 quotes offer the kind of life lessons that stay with you long after you’ve heard them. So take them with you—into your daily life, your relationships, and your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself.
FAQs
1. Why do Maya Angelou’s quotes resonate so much? Her quotes tap into universal human experiences—love, fear, courage, and resilience. They’re relatable and often provide exactly the kind of encouragement or wisdom we need in difficult times.
2. How can I apply Maya Angelou’s wisdom to my life? Start by reflecting on the quotes that resonate with you most. Whether it’s about perseverance, love, or self-worth, use her wisdom as a guide to make more thoughtful, compassionate choices.
3. What themes are common in Maya Angelou’s quotes? Common themes include strength in adversity, the power of love, the importance of self-respect, and the value of courage. She also emphasizes the necessity of kindness and generosity.
4. Why is Maya Angelou considered a powerful voice in literature? Maya Angelou’s writing is deeply personal yet universal. Her ability to articulate the struggles and triumphs of marginalized voices, combined with her poetic style, has cemented her as one of the most influential writers of her time.
5. How can Maya Angelou’s quotes inspire personal growth? Her quotes encourage us to be brave, to love ourselves and others fully, and to continue learning. By embracing these ideas, we can foster personal growth and resilience.
6. Which Maya Angelou quote is most famous? 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.” It defines her deep understanding of human interaction.
To explore more of Maya Angelou’s literary works, visit her official website.
