There’s this raw, unfiltered wisdom in Maya Angelou’s writing, you know? It’s as if she’s lived a thousand lives before putting it all into words that hit right where it counts. I should know―I highlighted so many quotes from Dr. Angelou’s incredible work that it was difficult to narrow them down to just ten. And to really bring her words to life, I’ve paired them with Henry Ossawa Tanner’s art. It’s a one-of-a-kind combination of poetry, prose, and art that I hope will move you as much as it does me. Enjoy.
1. “You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.”
―“Still I Rise”, And Still I Rise (1978)
2. “They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed.”
― “When Great Trees Fall”, I Shall Not Be Moved (1990)
3. “My mother’s gifts of courage to me were both large and small. The latter are woven so subtly into the fabric of my psyche that I can hardly distinguish where she stops and I begin.”
― Mom & Me & Mom (2013)
4. “Love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.”
― “Touched By An Angel”, Love’s Exquisite Freedom (2011)
5. “Believe people when they tell you who they are. They know themselves better than you.”
― A Song Flung Up to Heaven (2002)
6. “The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.”
― “Caged Bird”, Shaker, Why Don’t You Sing? (1983)
7. “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
― Letter to My Daughter (2009)
8. “Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.”
― “Alone”, Oh Pray My Wings Are Gonna Fit Me Well (1975)
9. “It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.”
― “Phenomenal Woman”, And Still I Rise (1978)
10. “I’d call a place
pure paradise
where families are loyal
and strangers are nice,
where the music is jazz
and the season is fall.
Promise me that
or nothing at all.”
― “Preacher, Don’t Send Me”, I Shall Not Be Moved (1990)
Before we wrap up, a quick fact check: some quotes you see circulating online aren’t from Maya Angelou. For example, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you” is by Zora Neale Hurston, and “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel” is a twist on Carl Buehner’s words.
Alright, over to you! Which quote resonated with you the most? Drop a comment below and don’t forget to share with your friends on social media; they deserve some inspiration too! And if you’re after some more thought-provoking words, check out our other collections:
📖 James Baldwin: 10 Powerful Quotes
📖 Charles Bukowski’s Unforgettable Quotes
📖 Jorge Luis Borges’ Wisdom in 10 Quotes