Maya Angelou: An Extraordinarily Wise Woman

The great author and poet Maya Angelou was a truly incredible lady. Take a look back at her most inspiring and motivating quotes of all time.

1. 'If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.'

2. 'Nothing will work unless you do.'

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

4. 'We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.'

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

6. 'We have to confront ourselves. Do we like what we see in the mirror? And, according to our light, according to our understanding, according to our courage, we will have to say yea or nay - and rise!'

7. 'No sun outlasts its sunset but will rise again and bring the dawn.'

8. '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.'

9. 'When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.'

10. 'My mother said I must always be tolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors.'

11. '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.'

12. 'A wise woman wishes to be no one's enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone's victim.'

13. 'I work very hard, and I play very hard. I'm grateful for life. And I live it - I believe life loves the liver of life. Live it.'

14. 'I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.'

15. 'Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.'