My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors.

The quote “My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors.” by Maya Angelou draws a crucial distinction between ignorance and illiteracy. Ignorance is portrayed as a willful lack of knowledge or refusal to learn, while illiteracy is simply the inability to read or write, often due to lack of opportunity rather than lack of intelligence. Angelou’s words emphasize that true wisdom and education are not limited to formal schooling but can come from life experience, observation, and critical thought.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Angelou’s reflections on her upbringing and the profound influence of her mother’s guidance. Growing up in the segregated South of the United States, Angelou witnessed firsthand how systemic barriers denied many people access to formal education. Yet, she also saw how these same individuals often possessed deep insight, resilience, and intelligence. This experience shaped her lifelong view that education should be measured not by degrees or literacy alone but by a person’s openness to knowledge and understanding.

The deeper meaning lies in Angelou’s recognition of human dignity and intellectual diversity. By being intolerant of ignorance, she encourages the rejection of close-mindedness and prejudice. At the same time, her call to be compassionate toward illiteracy reflects a broader social justice perspective: the belief that lack of formal schooling does not diminish a person’s worth or intellectual capacity. Some of the wisest people, she suggests, may never have set foot in a classroom.

Ultimately, Angelou’s words challenge conventional definitions of intelligence and education. They remind us that true education is not confined to institutions but is found in curiosity, empathy, and the lived experiences of people from all walks of life. Her mother’s lesson continues to resonate as a call to value substance over credentials and to approach others with humility and respect.