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Maya Angelou was an iconic figure who used her way with words to inspire many people during a long and colorful life. As well as being a successful author, poet, actor, writer, director and producer, she was an active member of the Civil Rights movement and became a respected spokesperson for black people and women. To mark her passing on May 28 at the age of 86, here is a compilation of 10 of her most inspirational quotes.
1. ON OPTIMISM
"Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud."
2. ON CHOICE
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
3. ON PEOPLE
"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."
4. ON LOVE
"The love of the family, the love of the person can heal. It heals the scars left by a larger society. A massive, powerful society."
5. ON SUCCESS
"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."
6. ON CHANGE
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."
7. ON BEAUTY
"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."
8. ON SURVIVAL
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
9. ON GIVING
"When you learn, teach, when you get, give."
10. ON DIVERSITY
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength."
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