Maya Angelou: A Testament to Resilience, Courage, And Passion For Storytelling

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 28 May 2025 Reading Maya Angelou is always an ennobling experience. Angelou's life story was as awe-inspiring as her literary works. Her journey from a troubled childhood to becoming one of the most celebrated writers of her time is a testament to her resilience, courage, and passion for storytelling. Her aphorisms have always fascinated me. This one has always uplifted my (drooping) morale: I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it. This encapsulates her unwavering spirit and resilience. In this profound statement, Angelou embraces the fact that life's experiences have the potential to shape and influence her, but she vehemently rejects the idea of allowing them to diminish her essence. With wisdom and strength, she acknowledges that hardships and adversities may leave their mark, but they will not define or break her. Instead, Angelou stands tall, displaying her unwavering determination to rise above circumstances, demonstrating her extraordinary ability to overcome and grow. This quote serves as a reminder to us all that we have the power to choose how we respond to life's challenges and to remember our inherent strength even in the face of adversity. Rabindranath Tagore also said, "Adversities are great but man is greater than all adversities " and Ernest Hemingway wrote in his novella, The Old Man and the Sea, "A man can be destroyed, but not defeated." Nelson Mandela famously used it during his time, fighting against apartheid. One more quote of Maya that I like is, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." This quote beautifully captures the essence of creativity and its infinite nature. Contrary to many beliefs, creativity is not a limited resource, but rather, it flourishes when it is expressed and used. It is not something that diminishes with each creation or idea; instead, it grows and multiplies. The more we tap into our creative potential, the more it expands within us, enriching our minds and souls. Rather than fearing that our creative well will run dry, this quote encourages us to embrace and exercise our imagination with confidence. It reminds us that creativity is not confined but rather boundless, always ready to be uncovered and explored. It's like, 'Vidya Tatra Abhivriddham, Yatra Prasaritam' (The more you spread knowledge, the further it increases; Yagyavalakya Sutra, 39:19). An Urdu adage also endorses the same viewpoint, "Qalam Ghisne Se Syaahi Nahin Sookhti " (Ink of an active pen doesn't get dried up). Ponder this one because of its eternal relevance," We need much less than we think we need." This resonates with a profound truth about human desires and contentment. In a society driven by consumerism and an insatiable pursuit of material possessions, we often find ourselves chasing after more, convinced that we cannot be fulfilled without accumulating an abundance of things. However, Angelou reminds us that true fulfilment lies not in the quantity of possessions we acquire, but in our ability to appreciate and be grateful for what we already have. Her words invite us to reflect on the excesses in our lives and the value of simplicity, urging us to let go of the relentless pursuit of possessions and find solace in the realization that we need much less than we believe to find true contentment. An Urdu poet Zamir Jafri aptly said, "Zarooraton Aur Hasraton Ko Kam Keejiye/ Zindagi Kat Jaati Hai, Yaad Rakhiye" (Life becomes easier by rationing your needs and desires). And the icing on the cake is, "It's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody." This sums up the immense power and personal liberation that forgiveness brings. By forgiving others, we unburden ourselves from the weight of anger, resentment, and bitterness that can consume our hearts and minds. Angelou reminds us that forgiveness not only benefits those who have wronged us, but more importantly, it sets us free. It is an act of self-love and self-healing, allowing us to move forward, let go of the past, and create space for growth and positivity in our lives. By embracing forgiveness, we are empowering ourselves to cultivate compassion, understanding, and peace within us. To quote Pakistani Urdu poet Adeem Hashmi, "Talkhiyon Ko Dil-O-Dimagh Mein Basne Na Diya / Main Har Kisi Ko Maaf Karta Chala Gaya" (I didn't allow bitterness to reside in my heart and mind / I, therefore, forgave everyone). ---- May 28 is the Death Anniversary of American memoirist and poet Maya Angelou ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/maya-angelou-resilience-courage-passion-storytelling/d/135688 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism