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    1. Culture

    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.

    By Francesca Rice
    Published 4 April 2014 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Maya-Angelou
    Maya-Angelou
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    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.'

    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou

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

    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou

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

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    Maya-Angelou

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

    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou

    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!'

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou

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

    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou

    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.'

    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou

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

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    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou

    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.'

    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou

    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.'

    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou

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

    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou

    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.'

    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou

    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.'

    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou

    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.' 

    Maya-Angelou

    Maya-Angelou
    Francesca Rice
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