Maya Angelou was a renowned American author and civil rights activist who deeply influenced literature and society. Her quote suggests that what a society values or requires will shape its moral lines. Angelou's words gain significance when we consider her own experiences in a changing America. In the 1960s, civil rights movements highlighted how societal needs for equality could redefine ethics. If people face hungry times or insecurity, they might develop strong views on sharing and protection. Angelou's involvement with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X shows how discussions around ethics often arise from urgent societal needs. This statement resonates because it highlights how communities evolve with circumstances, leading to different ideas of what is ethical. Understanding this helps us see that our views on right and wrong aren't fixed; they change as we respond to new challenges and histories. Angelou’s perspective encourages us to reflect on our values and adjust them as our world changes.