You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Opponents try to silence or demean you, but you will inevitably rise above it.
- In plain terms
- They can try to write you down or tread on you, but you will still rise.
- What can you take from it?
- Stand strong against criticism; you will rise regardless of their attempts.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What helps you rise when others try to push you down?
- How do you maintain dignity in the face of lies?
Another view
Rising is not always possible or guaranteed in every circumstance of oppression.
More from Maya Angelou
Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.
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