Maya Angelou's Wisdom Distilled in 10 of Her Best Quotes
Maya Angelou died today at age 86.
May 28, 2014— -- The celebrated poet and activist Maya Angelou died today at age 86, leaving behind a body of work filled with wisdom and insight.
Angelou rose to fame in 1969 with her debut book, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," and wrote seven autobiographies and many poems, one of which she read at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton.
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Angelou's last public statement was a Tweet May 23, which will join the canon of Angelou's oft-quoted wisdom: "Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God."
Here are some of her other most well-known quotes.
"If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love."
"The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free."
"I'm a woman Phenomenally."
"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within."
"Nothing will work unless you do."
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
“Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances."
"While one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeated."
"My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return."