Maya Angelou: 'It takes courage to be kind' (2024)

FAQs

Did Maya Angelou say it takes courage to be kind? ›

“It takes courage to be kind.” - Maya Angelou.

Genuine and authentic kindness takes courage. Though many might see it as a softer skill, it requires empathy, intention, and commitment. With the year we've had and the changes ahead, practicing kindness can help us as we re-learn to connect, show up for one another, and be a force for good in the world.

Angelou had this magnificent, sincere, and insightful way about her. She insisted that living a meaningful life and connecting with others boils down to being vulnerable and brave, understanding the angle of your story, and having the courage to tell it.

“Kindness is the ability to know what the right thing to do is and having the courage to do it!!” “Kindness is giving hope to those who think they are all alone in this world.” “Kindness is seeing the best in others when they cannot see it in themselves.”

“Have courage and be kind.” This is Cinderella's motto in the 2015 film. In the movie, this motto shows kindness as lowering your defenses and offering a friendly, helping hand to those around you. The theme is reiterated by Cinderellas's character through genuine kindness and vulnerability.

Angelou's most famous work, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), deals with her early years in Long Beach, St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas, where she lived with her brother and paternal grandmother.

“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.” “Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.” “No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.”

Ella's Mother: I have to tell you a secret that will see you through all the trials that life can offer. Have courage and be kind.

The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." "To have courage for whatever comes in life, everything lies in that." "God, grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right even though I think it is hopeless."

Matthew 14:27-28 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995) But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

How did Maya Angelou inspire you? ›

A poet, singer, autobiographer, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou inspires us with both the beauty and the call to action of her words. Her most famous work is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, an autobiography about her childhood. The book is a testament to the need for resilience in the face of discrimination.

She was hailed as an internationally regarded figure for her role as a civil rights leader who fought for social and racial justice. Angelou resided in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for over thirty years.

She recognized the power of words and because of her passion for language, her work stood out as a bright light as she used the power of literature to be an outlet for pain. Instead of letting trauma and pain consume her, Angelou overcame it and went on to live an incredible life.

As Cinderella's mother hovers close to death, she attempts to comfort her devastated, young daughter. Her “famous last words” become just that: “Have courage, and be kind.” It's one of my favorites. Randy and I were living in Columbia, South Carolina, when Matthew and Katie were born.

That, very simply, is the power we have to meet a moment like this, and it is immense. As Lau Tzu wrote, “From caring comes courage.” The courage we need comes from knowing we are standing together, as one community and one people.

Winston Churchill Quotes

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.