Maya Angelou

I respect myself and insist upon it from everybody. And because I do it, I then respect everybody, too.

Maya Angelou

I should have known better than to lie to the government. People always said Uncle Sam would spend a thousand dollars to get you if you stole a three-cent stamp from him. He was more revengeful than God.

Maya Angelou

I speak a number of languages, but none are more beautiful to me than English.

Maya Angelou

I speak to the Black experience, but I am always talking about the human condition – about what we can endure, dream, fail at and still survive.

Maya Angelou

I sustain myself with the love of family.

Maya Angelou

I thank God I’m myself and for the life I’m given to live and for friends and lovers and beloveds, and I thank God for knowing that all those people have already paid for me.

Maya Angelou

I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.

Maya Angelou

I think a nap or a rest overnight is great. But who needs three days of rest? Please! The second day, you might die.

Maya Angelou

I think a number of the leaders are, whether you like it or not, in the hip-hop generation. And when they understand enough, they’ll do wonders. I count on them.

Maya Angelou

I think all poems are commissioned. They just come to me without somebody outside commissioning them. The idea comes and I will live with them ’til I get it as close to what I mean. I’ve never been totally satisfied. I’ve come close a few times.

Maya Angelou