Quotes from Maya Angelou

Each of us has that right, that possibility, to invent ourselves daily. If a person does not invent herself, she will be invented. So, to be bodacious enough to invent ourselves is wise.

Try to live your life in a way that you will not regret years of useless virtue and inertia and timidity.

All knowledge is spendable currency, depending on the market.

She comprehended the perversity of life, that in the struggle lies the joy.

You have to deal with what you encounter. But you must not be reduced. And so a way not to be reduced is don't whine! Don't let the incidents which take place in life bring you low.

Modesty is a learned affectation. And as soon as life slams the modest person against the wall, that modesty drops.

Life is a glorious banquet, a limitless and delicious buffet.

Eating is so intimate. It's very sensual. When you invite someone to sit at your table and you want to cook for them, you're inviting a person into your life.

I know that I'm not the easiest person to live with. The challenge I put on myself is so great that the person I live with feels himself challenged. I bring a lot to bear, and I don't know how not to.

In the flush of love's light, we dare be brave. And suddenly we see that love costs all we are, and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free.

My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy.

At our best, we are all teachers

When teachers or people in authority put me down or in one way or another tried to make me feel less than equal to what they thought I should be - my mother was on my side. It was amazing.

At our best, we're all teachers

When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature.

You can only become great at something you are willing to sacrifice for

To grow up is to stop putting blame on parents.

Life sometimes gives you a second chance.

The intensity with which young people live demands that they "blank out" as often as possible.

We are the victims of the world's most comprehensive robbery. Life demands a balance. It's all right if we do a little robbing now.

Continue to be bold, courageous. Try to choose the wisest thing and once you've chosen the wisest thing go out and try to achieve it. Be it.

Life offers us tickets to places which we have not knowingly asked for.

The devil lives in our mistakes, the lord lives in our rights. Who lives in our ignorance, and who wins after all?

The woman who truly intends to live a good life is already living phenomenally since intent is part of the achievement.