Maya Angelou

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Contemporary influential 115 sayings

Sayings by Maya Angelou

I'm a human being. And I'm trying to make my way in the world, just like everybody else.

2008 — Interview with NPR
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a politician. I'm an artist. And I use my art to speak truth to power.

2008 — Interview with Democracy Now!
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a guru. I'm a human being who has learned a few things, and I'm willing to share them.

2009 — Interview with The Dallas Morning News
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a saint. I'm a sinner. But I'm a sinner who's trying to do better.

2009 — Interview with Tavis Smiley
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a role model. I'm a human being. And I make mistakes, just like everybody else.

2013 — Interview with The Washington Post
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a victim of racism. I'm a survivor of racism. And I'm going to continue to fight against it.

2014 — Interview with CNN
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a prophet. I'm a poet. And I use my poetry to try to understand the world.

2002 — Interview with The New Yorker
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a celebrity. I'm a writer. And I'm trying to tell stories that matter.

2009 — Interview with The Guardian
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a perfect person. I'm a flawed person. But I'm trying to be a good person.

2013 — Interview with The Wall Street Journal
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a politician, but I believe that all people are created equal, and that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

1994 — Speech at the White House
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a victim of my past. I'm a survivor of my past. And I'm going to use my past to help others.

1993 — Interview with The Los Angeles Times
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a perfect mother. I'm a good mother. And I love my son more than anything in the world.

1997 — Interview with Essence Magazine
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a perfect friend. I'm a good friend. And I love my friends more than anything in the world.

2002 — Interview with The Today Show
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a perfect human being. I'm a flawed human being. But I'm trying to be the best human being I can be.

2013 — Interview with The New York Times
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe that we are all connected. We are all part of the human family. And we all have a responsibility to each other.

1995 — Speech at the United Nations
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe that love is the most powerful force in the universe. And I believe that love can heal all wounds.

1993 — Interview with The Oprah Winfrey Show
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe that courage is the most important thing a person can have. And I believe that courage can help you overcome any obstacle.

2009 — Interview with Tavis Smiley
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe that wisdom is the most important thing a person can have. And I believe that wisdom can guide you through life.

2013 — Interview with The New York Times
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe that joy is the most important thing a person can have. And I believe that joy can lift your spirits.

2013 — Interview with The Washington Post
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe that peace is the most important thing a person can have. And I believe that peace can bring harmony to the world.

1995 — Speech at the United Nations
Controversial Unverifiable