Maya Angelou: dead at 86

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Maya Angelou: dead at 86

Renowned Author & Poet Maya Angelou ( born Marguerite Ann Johnson) has died at her home at the age of 86 years

She wrote 7 Autobiographies and many poems. Her most popular autobiography is ' I know where the caged bird sings' - a coming-of-age story that illustrates how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma

In the book, Maya transforms from a victim of racism with an inferiority complex into a self-possessed, dignified young woman capable of responding to prejudice.

Here are 15 of her best quotes:

1. "When you know better, you do better"

2. "When people show you who they are, believe them."

3. "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."

4. "It's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody."

5. "I am grateful to have been loved and to be loved now and to be able to love, because that liberates. Love liberates. It doesn't just hold—that's ego. Love liberates. It doesn't bind. Love says, 'I love you. I love you if you're in China. I love you if you're across town.

I love you if you're in Harlem. I love you. I would like to be near you. I'd like to have your arms around me. I'd like to hear your voice in my ear. But that's not possible now, so I love you. Go.'"

6. "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."

7. "Modesty is a learned affectation. It's no good. Humility is great, because humility says, 'There was someone before me. I'm following in somebody's footsteps.'"

8. "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."

9. "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."

10. "You can't forgive without loving. And I don't mean sentimentality. I don't mean mush. I mean having enough courage to stand up and say, 'I forgive. I'm finished with it.'"

11. "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."

12. "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."

13. "Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope."

14. "Timidity makes a person modest. It makes him or her say, 'I'm not worthy of being written up in the record of deeds in heaven or on earth.' Timidity keeps people from their good. They are afraid to say, 'Yes, I deserve it.'"

15. "I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back."

 

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