I would be stupid not to be on my own side. But I'm a human being, too. And I'm on the side of human beings, rather than on the side of crocodiles. Maya Angelou beingcrocodilehuman Change image and share on social
The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free. Maya Angelou freetruth Change image and share on social
How wonderful it is to be an American. We have known the best of times and the worst of times. Maya Angelou americanbadtime Change image and share on social
I think music is one of the hero/sheroes of the African-American existence. Maya Angelou africanamericanexistence Change image and share on social
When the human race neglects its weaker members, when the family neglects its weakest one - it's the first blow in a suicidal movement. I see the neglect in cities around the country, in poor white children in West Virginia and Virginia and Kentucky - in the big cities, too, for that matter. Maya Angelou bigblowchild share on social
We write for the same reason that we walk, talk, climb mountains or swim the oceans - because we can. We have some impulse within us that makes us want to explain ourselves to other human beings. That's why we paint, that's why we dare to love someone - because we have the impulse to explain who we are. Maya Angelou beingclimbdare share on social
The most important thing I can tell you about aging is this: If you really feel that you want to have an off-the-shoulder blouse and some big beads and thong sandals and a dirndl skirt and a magnolia in your hair, do it. Even if you're wrinkled. Maya Angelou agingbeadbig share on social
I believe we are still so innocent. The species are still so innocent that a person who is apt to be murdered believes that the murderer, just before he puts the final wrench on his throat, will have enough compassion to give him one sweet cup of water. Maya Angelou aptbelievecompassion share on social
I find in my poetry and prose the rhythms and imagery of the best - I mean, when I'm at my best - of the good Southern black preachers. The lyricism of the spirituals and the directness of gospel songs and the mystery of blues are in my music or in my poetry and prose, or I missed everything. Maya Angelou blackbluedirectness share on social
You are the sum total of everything you've ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot - it's all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive. Maya Angelou eatexperienceforget share on social