Maya Angelou

In her 86 years of life, Maya Angelou experienced and accomplished more than most people would in 10 lifetimes. Early in her career, she worked as a streetcar conductor, cook, and nightclub performer, among other jobs. In the 1960s, she became active in the civil rights movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She also acted, wrote, and directed for the stage, TV, and movies, and she gave lectures, composed music, wrote two cookbooks, and recited a poem at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration. Somehow, Angelou also found time to write seven autobiographies, beginning in 1969 with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. These are considered her most important works, dealing with themes such as race, identity, and family. During her incredible career, she received many awards and accolades, including more than 50 honorary degrees, three Grammys, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Writing helped Angelou to find her voice — quite literally in this case. Angelou was raped when she was just a young girl, after which she stopped speaking for several years. “I was a mute from the time I was seven and a half until I was almost 13,” she explained in an interview with the Academy of Achievement. “I didn’t speak. I had a voice, but I refused to use it.” Through her poetry and prose — and through reading it aloud — Angelou rediscovered her voice. With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, she became one of the first Black American women to discuss her personal life in such a public manner. She wrote openly and honestly, both to forgive others and to forgive herself. As Angelou once said, “It is very important for every human being to forgive herself or himself, because if you live you will make mistakes.” Wise words such as these have become a part of Angelou’s legacy. Here are some of her greatest quotes, born of her singular writing ability, life experience, compassion, and wisdom.