I aimed to be good, but I was too occupied with being amazing.
This quote reflects the tension between striving for excellence and the fundamental goal of being good or morally upright. It suggests that the speaker had aspirations of greatness, perhaps aiming for high achievements, recognition, or perfection. However, in their pursuit of being "amazing," they became so focused on external validation or extraordinary accomplishments that they neglected the simpler, yet essential qualities of being good—compassion, integrity, and kindness. Ultimately, it conveys the idea that sometimes the quest for greatness can distract us from the importance of a solid moral foundation and genuine human connection.
Author: Maya Angelou