Maya Angelou passed away on Wednesday leaving behind a tremendous legacy. The 86-year-old held many titles throughout her life -- an acclaimed poet, novelist, actress, professor, singer, dancer and civil rights activist. The I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings author touched millions with her profound wisdom and kindhearted words.

Below are just some of Dr. Angelou's famous quotes:

"Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

"Nothing will work unless you do."

"If you're always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be."

"No sun outlasts its sunset but will rise again and bring the dawn."

"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver."

"We have to comfort ourselves. Do we like what we see in the mirror? And, according to our light, according to our understanding, according to our courage, we will have to say yea or nay - and rise!"

"The love of the family, the love of one person can heal. It heals the scars left by a larger society. A massive, powerful society."

"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."

"We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated."

"It's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody."

"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope."

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude about it."

"When people show you who they are, believe them."

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."

"My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return."

"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within."

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Maya Angelou