Oprah Winfrey

Media mogul

Contemporary influential 71 sayings

Sayings by Oprah Winfrey

I believe that every single event in your life, especially the ones that you find most difficult, are there to teach you something.

unknown — Speech, often cited in her philosophy of life
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don't want to be a celebrity. I want to be a human being.

2013 — Interview with The Hollywood Reporter
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I had a vision board before they were called vision boards. I called it my 'dream book.'

unknown — Interview, often cited in discussions of her manifestation practices
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I’m not trying to be the next anything. I’m just trying to be me.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in discussions of authenticity
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

unknown — Interview, often said humorously despite her success
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I believe in the power of intention.

unknown — Speech, often cited in her spiritual teachings
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I used to be afraid of being alone. Now I embrace it.

unknown — Interview, reflecting on personal growth
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You become what you believe. Not what you wish or want, but what you truly believe.

2008 — Stanford University commencement speech
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Turn your wounds into wisdom.

2011 — Interview with OWN
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.

2002 — Interview with Oprah Magazine
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.

2004 — Interview with O Magazine
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I don't believe in failure. It is not failure if you enjoyed the process.

2012 — Interview with OWN
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I trust that everything happens for a reason, even if we are not wise enough to see it.

2005 — Interview with O Magazine
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You don't become what you want, you become what you believe.

2011 — Interview with OWN
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I still have my first two credit cards. I haven't used them in 20 years. I just like to know they're there.

2006 — O, The Oprah Magazine
Humorous Unverifiable

I would rather be whole than perfect.

2014 — Super Soul Sunday
Humorous Unverifiable

I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I've become. If I had, I'd have done it a lot earlier.

2013 — Harvard Commencement Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.

Unknown — Attributed to her, popular quote
Humorous Unverifiable

What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we have.

2012 — O, The Oprah Magazine
Humorous Unverifiable

I believe that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear.

2015 — Super Soul Sunday
Humorous Unverifiable