Black Quote by Maya Angelou
“I'm grateful to intelligent people. That doesn't mean educated. That doesn't mean intellectual. I mean really intelligent. What black old people used to call 'mother wit' means intelligence that you had in your mother's womb. That's what you rely on. You know what's right to do.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commencement at Howard University, 1993
True intelligence is innate, rooted in instinct and moral intuition, not formal education.
In simple terms: Innate wisdom guides right actions.
Key Takeaway
Value instinctual knowledge alongside learning.
Themes
intelligence
instinct
morality
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- community leadership
- personal growth
Key Concepts
cognitive science
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance instinct with reason?
- When should formal education be trusted?
A Different Perspective
Instinct can be biased without critical reflection.
