Maya Angelou

"I think we all have the potential within us to do great things."

"We are works in progress; we're never complete."

"The desire to be liked is powerful and natural; but to honor oneself is more important."

"Food, shelter, and a job; these are the basics for which everyone should strive."

"There's a marked difference between what we say and what we do."

"At the root of the matter is a value question: you either value human life or you do not."

"I believe in the power of words to heal, to hurt, to inspire, and to transform."

"Youth is not a matter of age; it is a matter of will and vision."

"The quality of our thoughts determines the quality of our lives."

"We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."

"Loneliness is a terrible poverty to experience, yet solitude can be a gift."

"Grace is when God gives you what you don't deserve; mercy is when God doesn't give you what you do deserve."

"I am grateful for every single person in my life."

"Time is a cruel master, yet it teaches us all we need to know."

"The mind is magnificent; we have the power within us to change our circumstances."

"I believe that the influence of the teacher is greater than the influence of any government policy."

"Your capacity to keep your vow will increase with the keeping of it."

"I've learned that living for others doesn't mean losing yourself."

"The greatest gift is to give of yourself."

"We are not responsible for other people's opinions; we are responsible for our actions."

"I want my life to have meant something, that I tried to make a contribution."

"Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change."

"There's a world of possibilities waiting for those brave enough to seek them."

"The ancestors have spoken; now it is our turn to listen and to act."

"I belong to all of these groups, and each has taught me something invaluable."

"Money is a tool; it is neither good nor evil; it depends on how you use it."

"I believe that every human being is entitled to dignity, respect, and kindness."

"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty is seen in a woman's soul."

"We must refuse to accept that we are limited by the circumstances of our birth or the opinions of others."

"I believe that we are all connected; what affects one affects us all."