Believe Quote by Maya Angelou
“I believe that a negative statement is poison.I'm convinced that the negative has power. It lives. And if you allow it to perch in your house, in your mind, in your life, it can take you over. So when the rude or cruel thing is said - the lambasting, the gay bashing, the hate - I say, "Take it all out of my house!" Those negative words climb into the woodwork and into the furniture, and the next thing you know they'll be on my skin.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, Maya Angelou, 1990s
Negative language acts like a toxin that can infiltrate thoughts and behavior, so it must be expelled from one’s mental space.
In simple terms: Bad words poison the mind.
Key Takeaway
Reject and remove harmful language.
Themes
mindset
health
communication
selfcare
resilience
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- therapy
- conflict resolution
- social media
- public speaking
Key Concepts
psychology
toxic language
mental hygiene
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate harmful negativity from useful critique?
- What habits help you keep mental space clear?
A Different Perspective
Not all criticism is harmful; constructive feedback can be valuable.
