Find a beautiful piece of art. If you fall in love with Van Gogh or Matisse or John Oliver Killens, or if you fall love with the music of Coltrane, the music of Aretha Franklin, or the music of Chopin - find some beautiful art and admire it, and realize that that was created by human beings just like you, no more human, no less.
Maya Angelou’s quote emphasizes the humanity behind great works of art and music. She encourages us to find a beautiful piece of art, whether it’s the paintings of Van Gogh or Matisse, or the music of Coltrane, Aretha Franklin, or Chopin, and to admire it deeply. Through this admiration, Angelou invites us to reflect on the fact that these masterpieces were created by human beings who, in their essence, are no more or less human than any of us.
The phrase “created by human beings just like you” serves to break down the pedestal on which we often place artists. Angelou’s point is that the creativity and genius of these artists are not products of an exceptional or otherworldly nature, but rather the result of human experience, perseverance, and vision. By recognizing the shared humanity between the artist and ourselves, we can better appreciate the beauty they have crafted.
Through this quote, Angelou challenges us to see art as a reflection of our collective potential, not just as an exclusive domain of genius. She encourages us to appreciate not only the beauty in these creations but also the deep, universal connection between the artist and their audience. The reminder that these artists are “no more human, no less” suggests that we all have the capacity for profound creativity within us.
NLThanh Thao Nguyen Le
This quote touches something deeply emotional in me. Sometimes I feel so disconnected from the people who’ve created the things I love—like they’re from another realm. But here’s Maya Angelou saying they were just like me. It’s comforting, but also intimidating. What keeps us from embracing that potential in ourselves? Is it fear, lack of encouragement, or just forgetting that greatness isn’t magic—it’s human?
PNPhung Ngoc
It’s interesting how Angelou blends appreciation of art with an affirmation of our shared humanity. Does that mean every one of us carries the potential to move others through creativity? I sometimes struggle with imposter syndrome when I try to create. But this quote gently pushes back against that. Can we learn to admire without intimidation—seeing genius not as unreachable, but as proof of what humans can do?
8TThi Bich Hong 8A Truong
I love the democratic spirit in this quote. It’s almost like a call to action—not just to admire, but to aspire. If Van Gogh was no more human than me, what’s stopping me from trying to create something beautiful, too? I think this idea has the power to dismantle self-doubt. But also, is admiration enough? Should we also be moved to create, or is appreciation a complete act in itself?
TTLe Trung Thang
Maya Angelou’s words really challenge that mindset of putting artists on unreachable pedestals. I wonder—do we sometimes admire art so much that we forget it came from ordinary struggle and effort? How do we balance reverence for the work with empathy for the artist as a fellow human being, flawed and hopeful? This feels especially important in today’s celebrity-driven culture.
HTHoang Ha Trang
This quote makes me feel both inspired and humbled. It’s a powerful reminder that the awe we feel when we encounter masterpieces should also reflect back on ourselves. If people like Van Gogh and Aretha Franklin were ‘just’ human, then maybe I, too, have the potential to create something meaningful. Why do we so often assume that greatness is out of reach, when it’s made by people who once stood where we stand?