Quote

I try to live what I consider a poetic existence. That means I take responsibility for the air I breathe and the space I take up. I try to be immediate, to be totally present for all my work.

Maya Angelou

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Maya Angelou
Age: 86 †
Born: 1928
Born: April 4
Died: 2014
Died: May 28
Author
Autobiographer
Comedian
Dancer
Essayist
Film Director
Film Producer
Human Rights Activist
Journalist
Novelist
Playwright
Politician
St. Louis
Missouri
Marguerite Annie Johnson
Marguerite Johnson
Marguerite Ann Johnson
Marguerite Anne Johnson
Take
Consider
Mean
Air
Trying
Present
Work
Responsibility
Poetic
Existence
Immediate
Space
Appreciation
Means
Breathe
Live
Totally

More quotes by Maya Angelou

Image
The poetry you read has been written for you, each of you - black, white, Hispanic, man, woman, gay, straight.
Maya Angelou
Image
I am never proud to participate in violence, yet I know that each of us must care enough for ourselves that we can be ready and able to come to our own defence when and wherever needed.
Maya Angelou
Image
I've had people explain to me what one of my poems meant, and I've been surprised that it means that to them. If a person can use a poem of mine to interpret her life or his life, good. I can't control that. Nor would I want to.
Maya Angelou
Image
Wouldn't take nothing for my journey now.
Maya Angelou
Image
You might encounter defeats but you must never be defeated... Love a lot. Laugh a lot at the silliest things and be very serious... love life.
Maya Angelou
Image
I've learned that forgiving is one of the greatest gifts that I can give myself.
Maya Angelou
Image
The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear.
Maya Angelou
Image
Success is loving life and daring to live it.
Maya Angelou
Image
Faith is the evidence of the unseen.
Maya Angelou
Image
A leader sees greatness in other people. He nor she can be much of a leader if all she sees is herself.
Maya Angelou
Image
I'm considered wise, and sometimes I see myself as knowing. Most of the time, I see myself as wanting to know. And I see myself as a very interested person. I've never been bored in my life.
Maya Angelou
Image
On Saturday afternoons when all the things are done in the house and there's no real work to be done, I play Bach and Chopin and turn it up real loudly and get a good bottle of chardonnay and sit out on my deck and look out at the garden.
Maya Angelou
Image
One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential.
Maya Angelou
Image
It is a no-fail, incontrovertible reality: If you get, give. If you learn, teach. You can't do anything with that except do it.
Maya Angelou
Image
A Woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself
Maya Angelou
Image
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
Image
Money and power can liberate only if they are used to do so. They can imprison and inhibit more finally than barred windows and iron chains.
Maya Angelou
Image
Each time I write a book, every time I face that yellow pad, the challenge is so great. I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody and they’re going to find me out.
Maya Angelou
Image
The sisters and brothers that you meet give you the materials which your character uses to build itself. It is said that some people are born great, others achieve it, some have it thrust upon them. In truth, the ways in which your character is built have to do with all three of those. Those around you, those you choose, and those who choose you.
Maya Angelou
Image
Only equals make friends, every other relationship is contrived and off balance.
Maya Angelou