Josephine Baker's Beauty Quotes

by Brittney Stephens 4

As the first African-American female to star in a major motion picture, Josephine Baker knew a thing or two about having self-confidence. Not only did she have unbelievable charm and allure, but she took the world by storm in the 1920s with her wild dancing and barely there costumes. In honor of her birthday today, we've rounded up some of her most efficacious quotes about beauty and poise. See them when you keep reading.

• "Beautiful? It's all a question of luck. I was born with good legs. As for the rest. . . beautiful, no. Amusing, yes."
• "I'm not intimidated by anyone. Everyone is made with two arms, two legs, a stomach, and a head. Just think about that."
• "I wasn't really naked. I simply didn't have any clothes on."
• "Surely the day will come when color means nothing more than the skin tone, when religion is seen uniquely as a way to speak one's soul; when birth places have the weight of a throw of the dice and all men are born free, when understanding breeds love and brotherhood."
• "I did take the blows [of life], but I took them with my chin up, in dignity, because I so profoundly love and respect humanity."
• "The secret to the fountain of youth is to think youthful thoughts."