Maya Angelou

I believe that justice is the most important thing a person can have. And I believe that justice can make the world a better place.

I believe that equality is the most important thing a person can have. And I believe that equality can bring us all together.

I believe that compassion is the most important thing a person can have. And I believe that compassion can heal the world.

I believe that forgiveness is the most important thing a person can have. And I believe that forgiveness can set you free.

I believe that gratitude is the most important thing a person can have. And I believe that gratitude can bring you joy.

I believe that integrity is the most important thing a person can have. And I believe that integrity can make you strong.

I believe that laughter is the most important thing a person can have. And I believe that laughter can lighten your load.

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. And that's not always a good thing, sometimes you make them feel really bad.

My great-grandmother told me, 'If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased.' And then she added, 'But make sure it's not a skid mark.'

I respect myself and insist upon it from everybody. And because I do it, I get it.

I'm not a writer who happens to teach. I'm a teacher who happens to write. I teach until my throat hurts, and then I write.

My mother said, 'If you can't be a bridge, be a plank.' I thought that was a rather ingenious way of putting it.

I'm always surprised when I'm referred to as a 'legend.' I think of myself as a work in progress. A rather old, but still eager, work in progress.

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. Unless it's bearing a story you told badly.

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.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same as 'making a life.' And sometimes, making a life involves a lot more chocolate than making a living.

I'm a survivor. I'm a black woman. I am a writer. I am a poet. I am a dancer. I am a singer. I am a cook. I am a mother. I am a lover. I am a friend. I am a human being. I am a lot of things. And I'm still hungry.

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. And if you can't change your attitude, get a new hat.

I've learned that when you're in love, you should just say it. Because life is too short to play games. Unless it's a really fun game.

I've learned that a good laugh can cure almost anything. Except maybe a broken leg. Or a bad hair day.