Quotes from Maya Angelou

Christians already? It seems to me that it takes a lifetime of work.

Let me tell so much truth. I want to tell the truth in my work. The truth will lead me to all.

My work is to be honest. My work is to try to think clearly, then have the courage to make sure that what I say is the truth.

My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.

I would be stupid not to be on my own side. But I'm a human being, too. And I'm on the side of human beings, rather than on the side of crocodiles.

Those of us who submitted or surrendered our ideas and dreams and identities to the 'leaders' must take back our rights, our identities, our responsibilities.

There's something which impels us to show our inner souls. The more courageous we are, the more we succeed in explaining what we know.

Most plain girls are virtuous because of the scarcity of opportunity to be otherwise.

The best comfort food will always be greens, cornbread, and fried chicken.

My son is the best thing that ever happened to me. And through me - to a lot of people.

It's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.

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

Self-pity in its early stages is as snug as a feather mattress. Only when it hardens does it become uncomfortable.

I want to be representative of my race-the human race. I have a chance to show how kind we can be, how intelligent and generous we can be.

One must know not just how to accept a gift, but with what grace to share it.

No one has ever become poor from giving.

Inscribed on the temple of Apollo

Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.

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

I believe that the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity is daring to dare.

Without courage you cannot practice any of the other virtues.

Strong women- precious jewels all- their humanness is evident in their accessibility. We are able to enter into the spirit of these women and rejoice in their warmth and courage.

Having courage does not mean we are unafraid.

Courage is the most important of all the virtues, without it, you can practice no other.