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About this quote

What does it mean?
Strength combined with tenderness creates an unbeatable quality. Natural intelligence guided by necessity often outperforms formal education.
In plain terms
Being strong but kind is powerful. Real-world smarts beat book smarts sometimes.
What can you take from it?
Balance strength with kindness and value practical intelligence.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • personal growth
  • skill development

Putting it to work

  • cultivating soft power
  • valuing experience
  • lifelong learning

Questions to consider

  • Is formal education overrated?
  • How do you balance strength and kindness?

Another view

Formal education often provides necessary structure for innate intelligence.

More from Maya Angelou

  1. The needs of society determine its ethics.

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  2. The sadness of the women's movement is that they don't allow the necessity of love. See, I don't personally trust any revolution where love is not allowed.

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  3. The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear.

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