Maya Angelou was an American poet, singer, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitudeWe delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beautyYou may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by themIf you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can beNever make someone a priority when all you are to them is an optionA wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victimSeek patience and passion in equal amounts. Patience alone will not build the temple. Passion alone will destroy its wallsThere’s a world of difference between truth and facts. Facts can obscure the truthWhile one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeatedYou alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody