Without willing it, I had gone from being ignorant of being ignorant to being aware of being aware. And the worst part of my awareness was that I didn't know what I was aware of. I knew I knew very little, but I was certain that the things I had yet to learn wouldn't be taught to me at George Washington High School.

Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude.

A story went the rounds about a San Franciscan white matron who refused to sit beside a Negro civilian on the streetcar, even after he made room for her on the seat. Her explanation was that she would not sit beside a draft dodger who was a Negro as well. She added that the least he could do was fight for his country the way her son was fighting on Iwo Jima. The story said that the man pulled his body away from the window to show an armless sleeve. He said quietly and with great dignity, "Then ask your son to look around for my arm, which I left over there.

Some critics will write 'Maya Angelou is a natural writer' - which is right after being a natural heart surgeon.

Only equals make friends, every other relationship is contrived and off balance.

I have no modesty. Modesty is a learned affectation. It's like decal stuck up on a person.

I know why the caged bird sings.