Maya Angelou Dies Aged 86: Her Most Famous Quotes

Celebrated author, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou has died. She was 86.

She passed away at her California home in the early hours of Wednesday morning after weeks of ill health.

Earlier this month Angelou was forced to bow out of the 2014 MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon, where she was due to be honoured, for 'health reasons'.

During her illustrious career, the talented poet appeared on a number of films and was the recipient of over 50 awards including the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.

She is survived by son Guy Johnson.

In tribute to the talented writer, IBTimes UK has put together a few of her most inspiring quotes.

Maya Angelou Quotes

"Courage is the most imporant of all virtues because without courage you can't practise any of the other virtues consistently."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away."

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."

"The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them."

"I do not trust people who don't love themselves and yet tell me, 'I love you.' There is an African saying which is: Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt."

"We are only as blind as we want to be."

"You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don't make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can't take their eyes off of you."

"When you know better you do better."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."