Oprah's Most Inspirational Quotes in Honor of Her 71st Birthday

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Oprah Winfrey arrives for the premiere of “The Six Triple Eight” at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles on December 3, 2024.

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.

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!

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Oprah on Treating People With Respect

Oprah Winfrey, Global Media Leader speaks on stage in conversation with Gayle King, Co-host, CBS Mornings, Editor-at-Large, Oprah Daily (not pictured) during 2024 Massachusetts Conference for Women at Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on December 12, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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

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Oprah on Self-Confidence

Oprah Winfrey at the Brunello Cucinelli Dinner at Chateau Marmont on December 5, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

“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

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Oprah on Speaking Your Truth

Oprah Winfrey at “The Six Triple Eight” Los Angeles Premiere at The Egyptian Theater on December 03, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

“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

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Oprah on Cutting Out Toxicity

Oprah Winfrey arrives to speak during a campaign rally with US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 4, 2024.

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

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

Oprah Winfrey speaks at a ‘Unite for America’ live streaming rally with US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in Farmington Hills, Michigan, on September 19, 2024.

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

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Oprah on Letting Go of Grudges

Oprah Winfrey is seen at “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on September 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

“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

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Oprah on Keeping an Open Mind About Life

Oprah Winfrey, chief executive officer of Oprah Winfrey Network LLC, speaks during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, US, on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.

“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

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Oprah on How to Conquer Betrayals

Oprah Winfrey speaks onstage during the 55th NAACP Image Awards at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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

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Oprah on the Human Connectivity of Pain

Oprah Winfrey poses backstage during the 35th GLAAD Media Awards - Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton on March 14, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.

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

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Oprah on Overcoming Indecisiveness

Oprah Winfrey is seen at ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ on March 14, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

“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

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Oprah on the Importance of Helping Others

Oprah Winfrey speaks onstage during the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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

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Oprah on Embracing Womanhood

Oprah Winfrey at the 81st Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.

“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

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Oprah on the Higher Power of Spirituality

Oprah Winfrey attends THR Presents Live: The Color Purple at Crosby Hotel on December 11, 2023 in New York City.

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

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Oprah on the Importance of Gratitude

Oprah Winfrey arrives for the world premiere of “The Color Purple” at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, December 6, 2023.

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

Happy Birthday, Oprah! Her Wisest Words Over the Years

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 on Treating People With Respect

Oprah on Treating People With Respect

Oprah on Self-Confidence

Oprah on Self-Confidence

Oprah on Speaking Your Truth

Oprah on Speaking Your Truth

Oprah on Cutting Out Toxicity

Oprah on Cutting Out Toxicity

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

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

Oprah on Letting Go of Grudges

Oprah on Letting Go of Grudges

Oprah on Keeping an Open Mind About Life

Oprah on Keeping an Open Mind About Life

Oprah on How to Conquer Betrayals

Oprah on How to Conquer Betrayals

Oprah on the Human Connectivity of Pain

Oprah on the Human Connectivity of Pain

Oprah on Overcoming Indecisiveness

Oprah on Overcoming Indecisiveness

Oprah on the Importance of Helping Others

Oprah on the Importance of Helping Others

Oprah on Embracing Womanhood

Oprah on Embracing Womanhood

Oprah on the Higher Power of Spirituality

Oprah on the Higher Power of Spirituality

Oprah on the Importance of Gratitude

Oprah on the Importance of Gratitude