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15 Maya Angelou Quotes That Should Inspire Us All

In honor of what would have been her 95th birthday, we look at some of our favorite words of wisdom from the legendary Maya Angelou.

NEW YORK - JUNE 03: Dr. Maya Angelou speaks on stage during the 34th Annual AWRT Gracie Awards Gala at The New York Marriott Marquis on June 3, 2009 in New York City. Photo: Getty Images Jemal Countess

Born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Maya Angelou was arguably one of the most prolific writers of our time. Her work as an author and activist has inspired the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Kendrick Lamar.

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Although she wrote over 35 books, including volumes of poetry, cookbooks memoirs, sheโ€™s best known for her 1969 bestseller, โ€œI Know Why The Caged Bird Sings,โ€ a memoir that details her early years, including the time she spent living with her paternal grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas. Although it achieved mainstream success, it is the frequent target of book bans across the country for its straightforward account of her experience with sexual abuse as a young girl.

In addition to being an outstanding writer, Angelou was a talented singer and dancer who performed throughout the United States, Europe and Africa.

In honor of what would have been her 95th birthday, we remember some of our favorite words of wisdom from the great Maya Angelou.

โ€œMy 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.โ€

Photo: Getty Images Jack Sotomayor

โ€œโ€ŽThe desire to reach the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise and most possible.โ€

Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer

โ€œIf youโ€™re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.โ€

Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives

โ€œHate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.โ€

Photo: Getty Images Consolidated News Pictures

โ€œI am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.โ€

Photo: Getty Images Michael Brennan

โ€œNever make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.โ€

Photo: Getty Images New York Daily News Archive

โ€œTry to be a rainbow in someoneโ€™s cloud.โ€

Photo: Getty Images Martin Godwin

โ€œYou may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.โ€

Photo: Getty Images Jemal Countess

โ€œIf I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?โ€

Photo: Getty Images Bennett Raglin

โ€œNothing will work unless you do.โ€

Photo: Getty Images Aaron Rapoport

โ€œIf you donโ€™t like something, change it. If you canโ€™t change it, change your attitude.โ€

Photo: Getty Images Steve Exum

โ€œWhen someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.โ€

Photo: Getty Images Derek Storm

โ€œWe may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.โ€

Photo: Getty Images The Washington Post

โ€œIโ€™ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.โ€

Photo: Getty Images The Washington Post

โ€œWe delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.โ€

Photo: Getty Images Gene Lester

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