First best is falling in love. Second best is being in love. Least best is falling out of love. But any of it is better than never having been in love.

In spite of everything that was done to me and my race, in spite of the adversity and the bitter moments, again we rise.

I think I know that I deserve better. And so I try for better. I'm never so put off that I would ever walk out of a place not having tried the best I could.

In the 16th century, [Niccolò] Machiavelli - in an attempt to get back in the good graces of the powerful - wrote a slim volume called The Prince. In that book he showed the powers that be how to control the people. That book is a statement: separate and rule, divide and conquer. That's five hundred years ago and it still works, because we allow ourselves to be lead around with holes through our noses.

The most important thing I can tell you about aging is this: If you really feel that you want to have an off-the-shoulder blouse and some big beads and thong sandals and a dirndl skirt and a magnolia in your hair, do it. Even if you're wrinkled.

I've never had a dislike for men. I've been badly treated by some. But I've been loved greatly by some. I married a lot of them.

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