If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?
Maya AngelouRead
When we cast our bread upon the waters we can presume that someone downstream whose face we will never know will benefit from our action, as we who are downstream from another will profit from the grantor's gift.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good deeds can benefit others in ways we may never see or know.
This quote by Maya Angelou emphasizes the idea of altruism and the interconnectedness of humanity. By sharing our resources or kindness, we may positively impact others, even those we may never meet, highlighting the notion that our actions have a ripple effect in the world.
Themes
KindnessAltruismImpactRelationshipsSharing
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a charity event, to inspire donations.
More from Maya Angelou
All quotes →I find it interesting that the meanest life, the poorest existence, is attributed to God's will, but as human beings become more affluent, as their living standard and style begin to ascend the material scale, God descends the scale of responsibility at commensurate speed.
Maya AngelouRead
The white American man makes the white American woman maybe not superfluous but just a little kind of decoration. Not really important to turning around the wheels of the state. Well the black American woman has never been able to feel that way. No black American man at any time in our history in the United States has been able to feel that he didn't need that black woman right against him, shoulder to shoulder-in that cotton field, on the auction block, in the ghetto, wherever.
Maya AngelouRead
I dreamt we walked together along the shore. We made satisfying small talk and laughed. This morning I found sand in my shoe and a seashell in my pocket. Was I only dreaming?
Maya AngelouRead
I know that I'm not the easiest person to live with. The challenge I put on myself is so great that the person I live with feels himself challenged. I bring a lot to bear, and I don't know how not to.
Maya AngelouRead
I think Clinton, after getting into office and into Washington, was shocked at being bludgeoned. So he spent time trying to be all things to all people - one way guaranteed not to be successful or respected in a lion's den. You can't just play around with all those big cats - you've got to take somebody on.
Maya AngelouRead
Similar quotes
Marriage is about love, but it is not first and foremost about love. First and foremost, marriage is about continuity and transmission.
Meir SoloveichikRead
Texas is a fine place for men and dogs, but hell on women and horses.
Molly IvinsRead
I work for him despite his faults and he lets me work for him despite my deficiencies.
Bill MoyersRead
Introverts, in contrast, may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pajamas. They prefer to devote their social energies to close friends, colleagues, and family. They listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation. They tend to dislike conflict. Many have a horror of small talk, but enjoy deep discussions.
Susan CainRead
Laila has moved on. Because in the end she knows that’s all she can do. That and hope.
Khaled HosseiniRead
Dealing with people is probably the biggest problem you face, especially if you are in business. Yes, and that is also true if you are a housewife, architect or engineer.
Dale CarnegieRead