Maya Angelou

Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: “I’m with you kid. Let’s go.”

I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.

If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform a million realities.

All men are prepared to accomplish the incredible if their ideals are threatened.

The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

It’s easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you’re a winner, when you’re number one. What you got to have is faith and discipline when you’re not a winner.

The roses under my window make no reference to former roses or better ones; they are what they are; they exist with God today. There is no time to them. There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence.

I will never do this, says one, yet does it: I am resolved to do this, says another; but flags upon second Thoughts: Or does it, tho’ awkwardly, for his Word’s sake: As if it were worse to break his Word, than to do amiss in keeping it.

Nothing so needs reforming as other people’s habits.

Wise men make more opportunities than they find.

There is only one failure in life possible, and that is not to be true to the best one knows.

It is the only sensual pleasure without vice.

Excessive literary production is a social offense.

What you don’t do can be a destructive force.

Self-sacrifice is the real miracle out of which all the reported miracles grow.

He who has begun has half done. Dare to be wise; begin.

I think if we go back and check our record, the Negro has proven beyond a doubt that we have been more than patient in seeking our rights as American citizens.

When people do not respect us we are sharply offended; yet deep down in his private heart no man much respects himself.

I am easily satisfied with the very best.

If there be three distinct and separate Persons, then three distinct and separate Substances. . . . And since the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Spirit is God . . . then unless the Father, Son and Spirit are three distinct Nothings, they must be three distinct Substances, and consequently three distinct Gods.