Accepting Quote by Maya Angelou
“I encourage courtesy. To accept nothing less than courtesy, and to give nothing less than courtesy. If we accept being talked to any kind of a way, then we are telling ourselves we are not quite worth the best. And if we have the effrontery to talk to anybody with less than courtesy, we tell ourselves and the world we are not very intelligent.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Address, 1990s
Treat others with respect and expect the same, as it reflects self‑worth and intelligence.
In simple terms: Give and expect courtesy.
Key Takeaway
Practice mutual respect.
Themes
respect
self‑esteem
communication
ethics
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- personal relationships
- public interactions
Key Concepts
social norms
personal dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you model the respect you desire?
- How does courtesy affect your confidence?
A Different Perspective
People may not always reciprocate courtesy.
