Today, we learned that world-renowned poet, author and civil rights activist Maya Angelou passed away at the age of 86.
Angelou grew up in humble beginnings, survived childhood sexual abuse, and rose above all of her challenges, including being a single mother at age 17, to become the revered figure she would be throughout her adult life. She said in a 1993 interview that she didn’t speak from about age 8 to 13, but eventually became a prominent voice in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and only continued to build her influence from there.
Angelou’s life is a symbol of strength and hope in an age that still struggles with equality and civil rights issues, and her writings and teachings always delivered a powerful, compelling message – most notably in her widely acclaimed autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
That book contains many memorable passages, but still only represents a fraction of the inspiring messages Angelou wrote and spoke to the world throughout her life. Here are 10 of the most inspiring Maya Angelou quotes that could apply to you or anyone in life.
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.”
9.“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
(AP Photo/Angela Rowlings)
8. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
(AP Photo/Doug Mills)
7.“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
6. “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
(Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
5. “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”
(Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
4. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
(Photo by Gabriela Maj/Getty Images)
3. “Nothing will work unless you do.”
(Photo by Gabriela Maj/Getty Images)
2. “It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.”
(Photo by Steve Exum/Getty Images)
1. “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”
(Photo by Scott Eells/Getty Images)
