12 Empowering Maya Angelou Quotes That Will Inspire You To Greatness

Maya Angelou was a well-known poet, actress, author and human rights activist. Her most famous works were her 7 autobiographies, the first- I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings – being the one to bring her international recognition.

Her interesting and full life, and many different occupations, gave Angelou a beautiful perspective, and a profound love of life and all its intricacies.

Below are some of the most famous quotes of Maya Angelou to inspire you on your own journey to greatness.

“When you know better, you DO BETTER.” – Maya Angelou

Such a simple statement, yet so meaningful. Don’t just apply this to others, apply it to yourself. When you do the work on yourself, consistently, you become better and can do better for others and for yourself.

“No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.” 

When you fall down, and if you feel like staying down, remember tomorrow is a new day.

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

We rarely pay homage to the work it takes to become great. Give yourself a break; you’re doing just fine.

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

We can only control the choices we make, choose to be empowered, rather than a victim.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. 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.” 

Life will throw you challenges, but it is in those challenges that you learn who you are.

“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.” 

Be that person. The one that lifts others up. The one that makes a difference in the lives of others.

“Hope for the best, be prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.” 

What you believe you’ll receive. Expect only the best for yourself.

“Have enough courage to trust love one more time.”

And even when life and love get you down, as they sometimes will…

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style” 

Take joy from the seemingly mundane, and choose to make everything in life an adventure.

“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” 

You have nowhere to be, and nothing to achieve.

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” 

You are the universe experiencing itself in human form. You are light.

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

You deserve love.

“I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” 

And this one, well, it speaks for itself. Go get em.