Profile: Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was an American author, poet, actress, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," which tells the story of her childhood and early adult years, and for her poetry, which often explored themes of race, gender, and identity.

What makes Maya Angelou a polymath is not only her mastery of multiple disciplines, but also the way in which she seamlessly integrated them into her life and work.

As an author, poet, and playwright, she was a master of language and storytelling. As an actress, she brought her writing to life on stage and screen. And as a civil rights activist, she used her voice and her art to promote social justice and equality.

Some of the skills Maya Angelou had include:

• Writing: Angelou was a prolific author, poet, and playwright who wrote dozens of books, essays, and articles over the course of her career.

• Acting: Angelou also had a successful career as an actress, appearing in a number of films, TV shows, and plays throughout her life.

• Public Speaking: Angelou was known for her powerful and inspiring speeches, which she gave all over the world on a variety of topics, from civil rights to women's rights to education.

• Teaching: Angelou was a professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University for many years, where she mentored countless students and shared her wisdom and knowledge with a new generation.

Maya Angelou combined these skills in a number of ways throughout her life.

Writing: She often used her writing to explore important social and political issues, such as racism and discrimination, and to advocate for change. Her poetry and essays were powerful tools for raising awareness and promoting social justice.

Stage play: She brought her writing to life on stage and screen by adapting her work into plays and films. Her play "And Still I Rise" is a great example of this, as it brings her poetry to life in a theatrical setting.

Advocacy: She used her public speaking skills to inspire and motivate audiences all over the world. Her speeches were known for their passion, eloquence, and wisdom, and often left listeners feeling empowered and energized.

She combined her teaching skills with her writing and public speaking to educate others about important issues and to encourage critical thinking and discussion. Her classes at Wake Forest were known for their rigor and intellectual depth, and many of her students went on to become influential scholars and activists in their own right.

Here are five actionable tips from Maya Angelou's life that readers can apply to become polymaths:

1. Never stop learning:

   Maya Angelou was a lifelong learner who was constantly seeking out new knowledge and experiences. Whether it was through reading, traveling, or talking to people from different backgrounds, she was always looking for ways to broaden her horizons and expand her mind. Follow her example by making learning a priority in your own life. Seek out new experiences and perspectives whenever you can.

2. Embrace your passions: 

   Maya Angelou was a deeply passionate person who pursued her interests with great intensity and enthusiasm. Whether it was writing, acting, or teaching, she threw herself into her work with all her heart and soul. Follow her example by embracing your own passions and pursuing them with everything you've got. When you love what you do, it's much easier to become a master at it.

3. Be courageous:

   Maya Angelou believed that courage was the most important of all virtues, and she demonstrated this belief in her own life by standing up for what she believed.

4. Use your talents for good:

   Maya Angelou believed in using her writing and art as a tool for social change. Think about how your own skills and talents can be used to make a positive impact in your community.

5. Prioritize self-care:

   Maya Angelou believed in the importance of self-care and taking care of oneself. Take the time to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health, so that you can bring your best self to your work and passions.