Quotes from Maya Angelou

If I walked into the kitchen without washing my hands as a kid, I'd hear a loud 'A-hem!' from my mother or grandmother. Now I count on other people to do the same.

I think Clinton, after getting into office and into Washington, was shocked at being bludgeoned. So he spent time trying to be all things to all people - one way guaranteed not to be successful or respected in a lion's den. You can't just play around with all those big cats - you've got to take somebody on.

I know for sure that loves saves me and that it is here to save us all.

I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees.

I've never had a dislike for men. I've been badly treated by some. But I've been loved greatly by some. I married a lot of them.

A mother's love liberates.

You rose into my life like a promised sunrise, brightening my days with the light in your eyes. I've never been so strong. Now I'm where I belong.

Here on the pulse of this new day You may have the grace to look up and out And into your sister's eyes, Into your brother's face, your country And say simply Very simply With hope Good morning.

Cooking certain dishes, like roast pork, reminds me of my mother.

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.

You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. Please remember that your difficulties do not define you. They simply strengthen your ability to overcome.

My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.