Baby Quote by Maya Angelou
“"Baby, you know?" my mother once said to me. "I think you're the greatest woman I've ever met - and I'm not including my mother or Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt in that." She said, "You are very intelligent and you're very kind, and those two qualities do not often go together." Then she went across the street and got in her car, and I went the other way down to the streetcar. I thought, "Suppose she's right. She's intelligent - and she's too mean to lie." You see, a parent has the chance - and maybe the responsibility - to liberate her child. And my mom had liberated me when I was 17.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Maya Angelou on Motherhood, 1995
A mother’s belief in her child’s intelligence and kindness can empower the child to embrace both qualities despite societal expectations.
In simple terms: Mother’s belief empowers.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate confidence in yourself and others.
Themes
parenting
empowerment
self‑esteem
Mood
proud
inspired
Type
motivational
reflective
When to use this quote
- education
- leadership
- personal development
- community building
Key Concepts
psychology
social expectations
identity formation
Questions to Reflect On
- What qualities do you value in yourself?
- How can you balance intelligence and kindness?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on praise may create pressure to meet high expectations.
