Famous quotes

Quotes by famous people, credited to who said them. Your own quotes must not match any of these. More are added all the time. 1,158,269 quotes Who coined it · How we decide

English Italiano Polski עברית Français Português فارسی Español 中文 Русский Deutsch العربية हिन्दी 日本語 Ελληνικά Latina

Barack Obama

1,038 quotes

“Responsibility and leadership in the 21st century demand more. In an era when our destiny is shared, power is no longer a zero sum game. No one nation can or should try to dominate another nation. No world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will succeed. No balance of power among nations will hold.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) first seen 2009 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech on global challenges at the United Nations (27 September 2009)
“After I received the news, Malia walked in and said, "Daddy, you won the Nobel Peace Prize, and it is Bo's birthday!" And then Sasha added, "Plus, we have a three-day weekend coming up." So it's good to have kids to keep things in perspective.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) first seen 2009 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Remarks by the President on winning the Nobel Peace Prize (9 October 2009)
“Some of the work confronting us will not be completed during my presidency. Some, like the elimination of nuclear weapons, may not be completed in my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone. This award is not simply about the efforts of my administration — it's about the courageous efforts of people around the world.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) first seen 2009 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Remarks by the President on winning the Nobel Peace Prize" (9 October 2009)
“As America’s first Pacific president, I promise you that this Pacific nation will strengthen and sustain our leadership in this vitally important part of the world.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) first seen 2009 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Tokyo, Japan, November 13, 2009.
“Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness..”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account—to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day—because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“None of these challenges can be solved quickly or easily. But all of them demand that we listen to one another and work together; that we focus on our common interests, not on occasional differences; and that we reaffirm our shared values, which are stronger than any force that could drive us apart. That is the work that we must carry on.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There is violence and injustice in our world that must be confronted. We must confront it not by splitting apart but by standing together as free nations, as free people. I know that a call to arms can stir the souls of men and women more than a call to lay them down. But that is why the voices for peace and progress must be raised together.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Human destiny will be what we make of it. And here in Prague, let us honor our past by reaching for a better future. Let us bridge our divisions, build upon our hopes, accept our responsibility to leave this world more prosperous and more peaceful than we found it. Together we can do it.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the co-operation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I have come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles - principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“As the Holy Koran tells us: "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do today - to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Islam has always been a part of America's story.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Of course, recognising our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations - to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners to it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism; it is an important part of promoting peace.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“For peace to come, it is time for them - and all of us - to live up to our responsibilities.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, and the heart, and the soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it is being challenged in many different ways. […] Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A woman who is denied an education is denied equality.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons. Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity - men and women - to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“No development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“All of us must recognise that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st Century.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We will encourage more Americans to study in Muslim communities.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort - a sustained effort - to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) first seen 2009 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Arlington, Virginia September 8, 2009
“Terrorism has long been a tactic, but modern technology allows a few small men with outsized rage to murder innocents on a horrific scale.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I believe that all nations — strong and weak alike — must adhere to standards that govern the use of force. I — like any head of state — reserve the right to act unilaterally if necessary to defend my nation. Nevertheless, I am convinced that adhering to standards, international standards, strengthens those who do, and isolates and weakens those who don't.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“More and more, we all confront difficult questions about how to prevent the slaughter of civilians by their own government, or to stop a civil war whose violence and suffering can engulf an entire region. I believe that force can be justified on humanitarian grounds, as it was in the Balkans, or in other places that have been scarred by war. Inaction tears at our conscience and can lead to more costly intervention later. That's why all responsible nations must embrace the role that militaries with a clear mandate can play to keep the peace.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I understand why war is not popular, but I also know this: The belief that peace is desirable is rarely enough to achieve it. Peace requires responsibility. Peace entails sacrifice. That's why NATO continues to be indispensable. That's why we must strengthen U.N. and regional peacekeeping, and not leave the task to a few countries.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Let me make one final point about the use of force. Even as we make difficult decisions about going to war, we must also think clearly about how we fight it.”
Barack Obama (born 1961) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source