The world is mourning the death of beloved poet, author and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, who passed away on Wednesday, May 28 at the age of 86.

The mother of one was exceptionally gifted in nearly every artistic medium – including writing, directing, singing, dancing and acting – and made history with her memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which became one of the first nonfiction best sellers by an African-American woman.

Her last tweet, posted on May 23, reads:

Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.

— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) May 23, 2014

Scroll through the gallery below to read more of Maya’s inspirational quotes.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR THE GALLERY