Maya Angelou Quotes

Assume a virtue, if you have it not. That monster, custom, who all sense doth eat; Of habits devil, is angel yet in this.

Do you wish the world were better? Let me tell you what to do: Set a watch upon your actions, Keep them always straight and true.

I try my best to be a good person and be the best I can be.

It's my job to try and be as good a person as I can, and that's enough work for me.

Good character improves every aspect of a person’s life.

Never stop working on your statue until the divine glory of virtue shines out on you, until you see self-mastery enthroned upon its holy seat.

Thoughts lead to acts, acts lead to habits, habits lead to character - and our character will determine our eternal destiny.

Religion must be life made true; and life is action, growth, development - begun now and ending never. And a life made true cannot confine itself - it must reach out and twine around every pulsing interest within reach of its uplifting tendrils.

We're all hypocrites. We all say one thing and do another. But why don't we try to do what we say more than what we don't?

The weakest man is the one who is able to correct his moral defects, but doesn't take action.

We often pray for purity, unselfishness, for the highest qualities of character, and forget that these things cannot be given, but must be earned.

A man is not to aim at innocence, any more than he is to aim at hair, but he is to keep it.

Let me resolve to be virtuous, that I may be happy, that I may please Him, who is delighted to see me happy. Amen.

To know what virtue is is not enough; we must endeavor to possess and to practice it, or in some other manner actually ourselves to become good.

I'm more concerned about who you're becoming than what you're doing.

You have only always to do what is right. It will become easier by practice, and you enjoy in the midst of your trials the pleasure of an approving conscience.

Ethical existence [is] the highest manifestation of spirituality.

Health, learning and virtue will ensure your happiness; they will give you a quiet conscience, private esteem and public honour.

Father taught us that opportunity and responsibility go hand in hand. I think we all act on that principle; on the basic human impulse that makes a man want to make the best of what's in him and what's been given him.

If you want the secondary greatness of recognized talent, focus first on primary greatness of character.

Morality is not the doctrine of how we may make ourselves happy, but how we may make ourselves worthy of happiness.

I have learned to be molded by God into the person He wants. I want to help and encourage others to be the best they can be.

The real duty of man is not to extend his power or multiply his wealth beyond his needs, but to enrich and enjoy his imperishable possession: his soul.

Good actions ennoble us, and we are the sons of our deeds.

Respect for self is the beginning of cultivating virtue in men and women.