20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (2024)

RD.COM Quotes

20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (1)

ByReader's Digest Editors

Updated: Dec. 06, 2021

    Let these words from the beloved poet and civil rights activist embolden you.

    1/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (2)

    Getty Images (2)

    She knows why the caged bird sings

    We all know that Maya Angelou was an American national treasure. Her creative and activist work has been deeply important for Black Americans, as well as hugely impactful on American culture as a whole. She was a true Renaissance woman, with a career spanning over 50 years that included amazing achievements in nearly every art form. Maya Angelou always forged her own path with wisdom and grace, and this list of her most moving quotes will inspire you to do the same. And for moments when you need a little pre-caffeine motivation, these 50 morning quotes will help you wake up inspired.

    2/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (3)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Shine a little light

    “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” —Maya Angelou

    To spread positivity everywhere you go, you need these happiness quotes.

    3/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (4)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Finding your own path

    “Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told, ‘I’m with you, kid. Let’s go.’” —Maya Angelou

    4/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (5)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Realizing your dreams

    “Nothing will work unless you do.” —Maya Angelou

    These quotes from amazing women who changed history will get you feeling fired up.

    5/21

    First impressions

    “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.” —Maya Angelou

    They say wisdom comes with age, but you can get a jump on it with these wise quotes.

    6/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (7)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Being resourceful

    “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” —Maya Angelou

    Check out more of the best quotes from famous people you certainly won’t forget.

    7/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (8)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Protecting yourself

    “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” —Maya Angelou

    Sometimes, people just aren’t who you want them to be. These relationship quotes will help you after any breakup.

    8/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (9)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Cultivating kindness

    “If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die.” —Maya Angelou

    Get your good feelings flowing with these beautiful gratitude quotes.

    9/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (10)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Staying determined

    “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” —Maya Angelou

    These Walt Disney quotes will help you find your inner strength.

    10/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (11)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Living with meaning

    “I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.” —Maya Angelou

    11/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (12)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Choosing courage

    “One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” —Maya Angelou

    These life-changing quotes are there for you when you need some extra wisdom.

    12/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (13)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Embracing possibility

    “Lift up your hearts. Each new hour holds new chances for new beginnings.” —Maya Angelou

    13/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (14)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Inner strength

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

    14/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (15)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Respecting the process

    “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” —Maya Angelou

    15/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (16)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Knowing your worth

    “Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.” —Maya Angelou

    16/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (17)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Staying grounded

    “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.” —Maya Angelou

    Laughter really is the best medicine. Get your daily dose with these hilarious quotes.

    17/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (18)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Practicing self care

    “If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?” —Maya Angelou

    18/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (19)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Keeping balanced

    “Seek patience and passion in equal amounts. Patience alone will not build the temple. Passion alone will destroy its walls.” —Maya Angelou

    19/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (20)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Speaking your truth

    “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” —Maya Angelou

    20/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (21)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    The power of love

    “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” —Maya Angelou

    Love comes in all forms. These best friend quotes will make you feel all warm and fuzzy.

    21/21

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (22)

    rd.com, Getty Images

    Never stop learning

    “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” —Maya Angelou

    Love to read? Bookworms will enjoy these reading quotes—they’re real page-turners.

    Originally Published: January 06, 2021

    Originally Published in Reader's Digest

    20 Maya Angelou Quotes to Uplift and Inspire You (2024)
    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Terrell Hackett

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6402

    Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

    Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Terrell Hackett

    Birthday: 1992-03-17

    Address: Suite 453 459 Gibson Squares, East Adriane, AK 71925-5692

    Phone: +21811810803470

    Job: Chief Representative

    Hobby: Board games, Rock climbing, Ghost hunting, Origami, Kabaddi, Mushroom hunting, Gaming

    Introduction: My name is Terrell Hackett, I am a gleaming, brainy, courageous, helpful, healthy, cooperative, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.