Not all celebrities live lives worth modeling after, but this list of inspirational celebrity quotes is worthwhile. All of the ladies on this list have made contributions to society in some way, at some point in their lives. Women who have public platforms are often criticized for the things they say and do but their positive contributions and words can be overlooked. Check out these inspirational celebrity quotes from some well known women we love!

1. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

“We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot.” Eleanor tops this list of inspirational celebrity quotes because we have to face our fears before we can inspire others. And often it’s during the process of facing our fears that we inspire others to do the same.

2. MOTHER TERESA

“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.” Mother Teresa had many words of wisdom, but this is a particularly strong lesson.

3. GWYNETH PALTROW

“It’s a waste of time for people to say things they think other people want to hear, or try and come off in a certain way. I try to be as honest as I can.” Make like Gwyneth and always be truthful, and true to yourself

4. ANNE HATHAWAY

“I believe I’ve always been a big believer in equality. No one has ever been able to tell me I couldn’t do something because I was a girl.” Always treat people equally, and believe in your own equality.

5. MICHELLE OBAMA

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” Remember that your courageous acts can inspire others. Don’t stand back and wait for others to change the world.

6. PRINCESS DIANA

“The greatest problem in the world today is intolerance. Everyone is so intolerant of each other.” The world can certainly use more tolerance across all areas. Take Diana’s words to heart.

7. MILEY CYRUS

“My mom is always telling me it takes a long time to get to the top, but a short time to get to the bottom.” Your hard work will pay off in the end. Don’t stop just because things get tough

8. OPRAH WINFREY

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Gratitude is always beautiful, and it pays off in the end.

9. SHAKIRA

“My brain, I believe, is the most beautiful part of my body.” Never stop learning, never stop seeking knowledge. Intelligence is your sexiest asset.

10. AUDREY TAUTOU

“After each experience, you grow up, you get enriched with something, and you don’t know how you’re going to be in six months, you don’t know what you’re going to want, what you’re going to need.” You’re always changing, so learn from each new experience.

11. TORI AMOS

“Some people are afraid of what they might find if they try to analyze themselves too much, but you have to crawl into your wounds to discover where your fears are. Once the bleeding starts, the cleansing can begin.” Self-reflection is sometimes scary but it’s always worthwhile, especially when it hurts.

12. BJORK

“It’s incredible how nature sets females up to take care of people, and yet it is tricky for them to take care of themselves.” Remember to take time for yourself. You can nurture better when you’re fulfilled and happy.

13. HALLE BERRY

“Don’t take yourself too seriously. Know when to laugh at yourself, and find a way to laugh at obstacles that inevitably present themselves.” Laughter helps, even when you direct it at yourself.

14. KATIE COURIC

“I think sometimes people project things on you, but I’m trying to handle everything that’s happened to me with a certain amount of grace, dignity and good manners. You just can’t necessarily win all the time.” It’s okay to be wrong, but you should never let someone else project their negative opinions onto you. Know yourself and face adversity with grace.

15. RIHANNA

“You have to just accept your body. You may not love it all the way, but you just have to be comfortable with it, comfortable with knowing that that’s your body.” You’re beautiful. Feel comfortable in your own skin and that beauty shines through.

16. ELLEN DEGENERES

“I learned compassion from being discriminated against. Everything bad that’s ever happened to me has taught me compassion.” You can learn the best lessons from the hardest obstacles and the most hurtful experiences. Take what you can by learning compassion and empathy.

17. KATY PERRY

“Sometimes if you want to achieve something great, there will be curve balls. You just have to dodge them every once in a while.” Life always throws a curve. Sometimes you’re prepared but sometimes you have to go with the flow and make the best of a bad situation.

18. EMMA WATSON

“I don’t have perfect teeth, I’m not stick thin. I want to be the person who feels great in her body and can say that she loves it and doesn’t want to change anything.” Remember: you’re beautiful just the way you are.

19. AUDREY HEPBURN

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” Nothing is lovelier than the ability to be kind and seek out the best in others.

20. JESSICA ALBA

“There’s no such thing as a perfect guy. I think it would be strange if somebody was absolutely everything you always wanted, because then there’d be no challenge. Also, you’d feel inferior.” No one’s capable of perfection; the quirks make things much more interesting.

21. TAYLOR SWIFT

“If you’re yelling you’re the one who’s lost control of the conversation.” A thoughtful word says so much more than a scream. Think before you speak and always stay in control.

I think that some of these quotes are nuggets of wisdom while others are really inspiring. I love to read through quotes when I need a little boost from women who have gone where I hope to go. What are some of your favorite inspirational celebrity quotes? I’d love to read them.