Happy Birthday, Oprah! Her Wisest Words Over the Years

As Queen O celebrates her 71st birthday, here’s a look back on some of her most inspiring quotes from over the years.

Oprah Winfrey arrives for the premiere of “The Six Triple Eight” at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles on December 3, 2024. Photo: Getty Images VALERIE MACON / AFP

There’s truly no one who’s taken over television and pop culture like Oprah Winfrey. Whether you came to know her as a part of your mandatory daily viewing via “The Oprah Winfrey Show” during its illustrious 25-season run, or used her own weight loss journey as a source of inspiration for your own, Winfrey’s impact to society can’t be overstated.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Inside Lenny Kravitz’s Jaw-Dropping Paris Mansion

And as the former queen of daytime television celebrates her 71st birthday, we felt it fitting to take a look at some of her most inspiring quotes and wisest words that have gotten us through tough times, made us laugh, or made us look at life in a new way.

Happy Birthday Oprah, 71 never looked better!

Oprah on Treating People With Respect

Photo: Getty Images Marla Aufmuth for Massachusetts Conference for Women Photo: Getty Images Marla Aufmuth for Massachusetts Conference for Women

“Our goal must be decency and respect for every human we encounter.”- Oprah Winfrey, November 2018

Oprah on Self-Confidence

Photo: Getty Images River Callaway/WWD Photo: Getty Images River Callaway/WWD

“You can either waltz boldly onto the stage of life and live the way you know your spirit is nudging you to, or you can sit quietly by the wall, receding into the shadows of fear and self-doubt.”- Oprah Winfrey, September 2014

Oprah on Speaking Your Truth

Photo: Getty Images Michael Buckner/Variety Photo: Getty Images Michael Buckner/Variety

“What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. And I am especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories.”- Oprah Winfrey, January 2018

Oprah on Cutting Out Toxicity

Photo: Getty Images ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP Photo: Getty Images ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP

“Good riddance to decisions that don’t support self-worth.”- Oprah Winfrey, March 2010

Oprah on Putting Your Needs First So You Can Show Up Properly for Others

Photo: Getty Images SAUL LOEB/AFP Photo: Getty Images SAUL LOEB/AFP

“Life is reciprocal: The energy you expand always comes back.”- Oprah Winfrey, November 2018

Oprah on Letting Go of Grudges

Photo: Getty Images ZZHollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images Photo: Getty Images ZZHollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images

“Whatever your reason for holding on to resentments, I know this for sure: There is none worth the price you pay in lost time.”- Oprah Winfrey, August 2017

Oprah on Keeping an Open Mind About Life

Photo: Getty Images Al Drago/Bloomberg Photo: Getty Images Al Drago/Bloomberg

“The answers keep unfolding as your life expands, if you’re willing to see things for what they are — and what they can be.”- Oprah Winfrey, July 2018

Oprah on How to Conquer Betrayals

Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin for BET Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin for BET

“When you know who you are and what you stand for, you stand in wisdom.”- Oprah Winfrey, February 2007

Oprah on the Human Connectivity of Pain

Photo: Getty Images Michael Kovac for GLAAD Photo: Getty Images Michael Kovac for GLAAD

“All pain is the same; we just choose different ways to release it.”- Oprah Winfrey, September 2018

Oprah on Overcoming Indecisiveness

Photo: Getty Images RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Photo: Getty Images RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

“When you don’t know what to do, do nothing. Get quiet so you can hear the still, small voice — your inner GPS guiding you to true north.”- Oprah Winfrey, August 2021

Oprah on the Importance of Helping Others

Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman

“True philanthropy comes from living from the heart of yourself, and giving what you have been given.”- Oprah Winfrey, October 2015

Oprah on Embracing Womanhood

Photo: Getty Images John Salangsang/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes Photo: Getty Images John Salangsang/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes

“We have to make the choice — every single day — to exemplify the truth, the respect, and the grace that we wish for this world.”- Oprah Winfrey, April 2019

Oprah on the Higher Power of Spirituality

Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes/The Hollywood Reporter Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes/The Hollywood Reporter

“It’s the greatest discovery of life: to recognize that you’re more than your body and your mind.”- Oprah Winfrey, May 2008

Oprah on the Importance of Gratitude

Photo: Getty Images Frederic J. BROWN / AFP Photo: Getty Images Frederic J. BROWN / AFP

“That’s the gift of gratitude: In order to feel it, your ego has to take a backseat.”- Oprah Winfrey, December 2013

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Genius Strategy Behind Zendaya’s 'The Drama' Press Tour Outfits

The Genius Strategy Behind Zendaya’s ‘The Drama’ Press Tour Outfits

Let’s take a deep dive into all of the phenomenal looks from “The Drama” promotional tour …
'Watson,' 'The Vince Staples Show' and Other Black Shows That Were Canceled Too Soon

‘Watson,’ ‘The Vince Staples Show’ and Other Black Shows That Were Canceled Too Soon

With fan-favorite shows off the air, like ‘Watson’ and the ‘Sherri’ show, let’s take a look back at a handful of Black shows that were gone too soon! …
Inside the Olympic Love Story of Newlyweds Noah Lyles, Junelle Bromfield

Inside the Olympic Love Story of Newlyweds Noah Lyles, Junelle Bromfield

Congratulations are in order for Olympians Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield, who have just tied the knot! …
Stop Giving Women a Bad Rap for Leaving Toxic Relationships!

Stop Giving Women a Bad Rap for Leaving Toxic Relationships!

Khloé Kardashian opens up in Netflix’s ‘Untold: The Death and Life of Lamar Odom’ about the toll of staying in a toxic marriage, sparking a discussion on why women are shamed for leaving harmful relationships …
Lamar Odom's New Comments About Khloé Kardashian That Have the Internet Dragging Him

Lamar Odom’s New Comments About Khloé Kardashian That Have the Internet Dragging Him

Lamar Odom is back in the hot seat online and this time, it all revolves around his comments about his ex-wife Khloé Kardashian and his own father …
Prostate Cancer Is Coming for Black Men, We Are Helping It Win

Prostate Cancer Is Coming for Black Men, We Are Helping It Win

Professor: Black men face higher risk, earlier diagnoses, and deadlier outcomes. The truth is clear and the solution is simple …
Why a Forth Worth Man Trying to Protect the Kids in His Neighborhood is Now Facing Prison Time

Why a Forth Worth Man Trying to Protect the Kids in His Neighborhood is Now Facing Prison Time

While a Fort Worth community is calling Marckus Renfro a hero, prosecutors are deeming him a criminal after he allegedly shot an accused pedophile …
Sheinelle Jones Just Revealed the Terrifying New York Train Experience She Called Her 'Worst Nightmare'

Sheinelle Jones Just Revealed the Terrifying New York Train Experience She Called Her ‘Worst Nightmare’

TODAY Show host Sheinelle Jones had quite an experience recently on a NYC train and it’s a story that’s almost too crazy to believe! …
Shocking Development After Husband Arrested for Murder of Florida Vice Mayor

Shocking Development After Husband Arrested for Murder of Florida Vice Mayor

The city of Coral Springs celebrated the election of its first Black female commissioner. Now, they’re forced to mourn her shocking murder …
Astronaut Victor Glover Has a Special Message for All of Humanity

Astronaut Victor Glover Has a Special Message for All of Humanity

Even from halfway to the moon, Artemis II pilot Victor Glover wants to remind folks of the real magic happening back on Earth …
Jaafar Jackson Reveals Shocking Secret He Kept From His Famous Family After Landing Role in 'Michael' Biopic

Jaafar Jackson Reveals Shocking Secret He Kept From His Famous Family After Landing Role in ‘Michael’ Biopic

Jaafar Jackson is revealing how he reacted after learning he landed the role of his late uncle Michael Jackson, and the surprising things he did to prepare for it! …
Why Angel Reese Will Become The Face of The ATL

Why Angel Reese Will Become The Face of The ATL

Angel Reese has been traded from the Chicago Sky and lands with the Atlanta Dream …
Rapper Offset Shot in Florida: What We Know

Rapper Offset Shot in Florida: What We Know

Offset, Cardi B’s Ex is in stable condition after being shot at a casino in Hollywood, Florida …
Zendaya's Character in 'The Drama' Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

Zendaya’s Character in ‘The Drama’ Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

There’s a lot of rightful online chatter about Zendaya’s character in her latest movie. But there’s an even bigger person we need to talk about! …
Could This Black Man Flip the House Seat Left Vacant by Marjorie Taylor Greene?

Could This Black Man Flip the House Seat Left Vacant by Marjorie Taylor Greene?

Here’s everything to know about Shawn Harris, the Democratic candidate in Georgia aiming to fill Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s House seat …
DaBaby Goes Off on Fan for Painting His Kids, His Reaction Has The Internet Divided

DaBaby Goes Off on Fan for Painting His Kids, His Reaction Has The Internet Divided

Rapper DaBaby is making news for how he responded to a fan who painted a picture of his daughters. Let’s get into it …
Terry Crews' Wife Reveals Shocking Health Diagnosis

Terry Crews’ Wife Reveals Shocking Health Diagnosis

Rebecca Crews, the longtime wife of actor Terry Crews, is opening up like never before about her health. And it’s something nobody saw coming …
Trick Daddy Defends His Music After Performance at AKA Event is Cut Short

Trick Daddy Defends His Music After Performance at AKA Event is Cut Short

The room was filled with AKAs of all generations. So when Young began performing his hit songs like “I’m a Thug,” many were caught off guard …
Why Black Folks Are Side-Eyeing Jonathan Majors’ New DEI-hating Boss More Than His Set Accident

Why Black Folks Are Side-Eyeing Jonathan Majors’ New DEI-hating Boss More Than His Set Accident

Jonathan Majors’ falls out of window while filming action movie with Daily Wire, causing crew members to walk off set …
Why Black People Dress up On Easter

Why Black People Dress up On Easter

While Easter is dedicated to serving the Lord, it’s also been a time for Black people to serve looks while honoring the ancestors …