12 Powerful Quotes From Maya Angelou That Speak To Our Generation

Maya Angelou was one of those rare kinds of special humans who possess a profound soul and legendary presence. She gave us incredibly inspiring poetry and moving literature we can all relate to, regardless of which stage we find ourselves in life.

She was an extraordinary thinker and believer, who achieved the highest humanitarian, writing and social honors in her 86 years. She will forever retain a positive legacy and remain one of the most influential women of our lifetime.

Ms. Angelou, you expanded our minds and shed light on important topics. These are just a sampling of quotes that have always stayed with us. Thanks for your words.

1. On how to live our lives:

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.

2. On relationships:

Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.

3. Bouncing back after hitting rock bottom:

In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.

4. The importance of finding your voice and using it:

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams.

5. The value of learning from history’s mistakes:

History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.

6. Why kindness, above all, matters:

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.

7. How to rise above unfortunate situations:

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.

8. On life experiences:

You are the sum total of everything you've ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot -- it's all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.

9. Self-motivation:

Nothing will work unless you do.

10. On confronting your inner battles:

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.

11. Wise words to live by:

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.

12. On being your best self everyday:

Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.

We will miss you Maya Angelou.

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