In the statement made by Maya Angelou, she expresses a straightforward yet profound idea: one must advocate for oneself as it would be foolish to do otherwise. However, this self-advocacy should not come at the expense of humanity and compassion; instead, it should align with the values and interests of all people.
The deeper meaning of this quote lies in its call for a balance between personal interest and collective well-being. Angelou suggests that while individuals have a responsibility to protect their own interests, they also have an obligation to support and advocate for others, rather than engaging in harmful or destructive behavior akin to the nature of crocodiles. This perspective encourages empathy and mutual respect among people, urging us to act with kindness and understanding towards one another instead of adopting predatory attitudes.
Maya Angelou was a renowned American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Born in 1928, she became known for her powerful autobiographies and poetry that reflect on personal struggle and triumph, as well as social issues such as racism and inequality. Her words often carry weight due to the depth of her life experiences and the authenticity with which she speaks about them.
