Turn your wounds into wisdom.
Analysis
The phrase appears verbatim in multiple transcripts and video recordings of Oprah Winfrey’s June 2013 commencement speech at Harvard. Harvard’s official news release and the full speech transcript both include the line. The quote has been widely cited in reputable media outlets referencing that speech.
Background
Oprah Winfrey delivered the commencement address at Harvard University on June 6, 2013, where she shared personal stories and offered advice to graduates. The “wounds into wisdom” line encapsulated her theme of turning adversity into personal growth. The speech has been archived by Harvard and covered by major news organizations.
Verdict summary
Oprah Winfrey indeed said “Turn your wounds into wisdom” during her 2013 Harvard University commencement address.
Sources consulted
— Harvard Gazette, “Oprah Winfrey delivers commencement address” (June 6, 2013) – https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2013/06/oprah-winfrey-delivers-commencement-address/
— Official transcript of Oprah Winfrey’s Harvard commencement speech, Harvard University (June 2013) – https://alumni.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/Oprah%20Winfrey%20Commencement%20Speech.pdf
— The New York Times, “Oprah Wins 2013 Harvard Commencement Speech” (June 7, 2013) – https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/08/education/oprah-winfrey-delivers-commencement-address-at-harvard.html