Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelouwas an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, tells of her...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth4 April 1928
CitySt. Louis, MO
CountryUnited States of America
Each of us, famous or infamous, is a role model for somebody, and if we aren't, we should behave as though we are -- cheerful, kind, loving, courteous. Because you can be sure someone is watching and taking deliberate and diligent notes.
A bizarre sensation pervades a relationship of pretense. No truth seems true. A simple morning's greeting and response appear loaded with innuendo and fraught with implications. Each nicety becomes more sterile and each withdrawal more permanent.
Nothing will work unless you do.
I note the obvious differences between each sort and type, but we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.
When I try to describe myself to God I say, “Lord, remember me? Black? Female? Six-foot tall? The writer?” And I almost always get God's attention.
I would like to be known as an intelligent woman, a courageous woman, a loving woman, a woman who teaches by being.
We need to haunt the house of history and listen anew to the ancestors' wisdom.
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.
A wise woman wishes to be no one's enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone's victim.
You will face many defeats in your life, but never let yourself be defeated.
I believe that the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity is daring to dare.
Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances. You are a child of God. Stand up straight.
We can learn to see each other and see ourselves in each other and recognize that human beings are more alike than we are unalike.
When you learn, teach, when you get, give.