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About this quote

What does it mean?
A rhetorical challenge asking why one should be surprised by someone's confident attitude.
In plain terms
Why are you shocked that I am confident?
What can you take from it?
Own your confidence without apology.

Where it applies

  • confrontation
  • self-affirmation
  • performance

Putting it to work

  • practice self-advocacy
  • set boundaries
  • express identity

Questions to consider

  • Why is confidence judged?
  • When is sassiness useful?

Another view

Sassiness can be perceived as rudeness depending on context.

More from Maya Angelou

  1. Children's talent to endure stems from their ignorance of alternatives.

    Permalink to quote #22

  2. Don't bring negative to my door.

    Permalink to quote #24

  3. Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean.

    Permalink to quote #21

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