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.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker hopes to balance joy and sorrow while accomplishing tasks and engaging in mutual love.
- In plain terms
- Aim for equal happiness and sadness, finish your tasks, and share love openly.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance emotions and actions while seeking reciprocal love.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you currently balance joy and sorrow?
- What prevents you from accepting love?
Another view
Balancing laughter and crying equally may not be realistic in all life stages.
More from Maya Angelou
Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.
Permalink to quote #54 My life has been one great big joke A dance that's walked A song that's spoke, I laugh so hard I almost choke When I think about myself.
Permalink to quote #56 Most plain girls are virtuous because of the scarcity of opportunity to be otherwise.
Permalink to quote #53
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