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.

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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

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