“The essence of America – that which really unites us – is not ethnicity, or nationality or religion – it is an idea – and what an idea it is: That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things.”

My parents elected me president of the family when I was 4. We actually had an election every year and I always won. I’m an only child, and I could count on my mother’s vote.

If you are overdressed, it is a comment on them. If you are under dressed, it is a comment on you.

My mom was a teacher – I have the greatest respect for the profession – we need great teachers – not poor or mediocre ones.

We need to move beyond the idea that girls can be leaders and create the expectation that they should be leaders.

There is nothing better than being in a classroom with really, really brilliant students, and opening up new worlds to them. That’s what I love doing.

I think that the United States has always been most effective when it is leading both from power and principle.

Truly remarkable leadership is not just about motivating others to follow, it’s about inspiring them to become leaders themselves and setting the stage for even greater opportunities for future generations.

I’ve never really been a workaholic. I work very hard, but I also enjoy playing. I think it’s important to have a balanced and well-rounded life.

I laugh almost everyday. I have a good sense of humor, so I’m always finding something funny.

Today’s headlines and history’s judgement are not the same.

Race is a constant factor in American life. Yet reacting to every incident,real or imagined, is crippling, tiring, and ultimately counterproductive.

If I can look at your zip code and I can tell whether you’re going to get a good education, we’ve got a real problem.

You have to have a strong sense of your values and a strong sense of who you are, because there are a lot of events and a lot of people who will pull you in this direction or that direction.

I think America is still a bright, shining city on the hill – not because we’re perfect but because we struggle in our imperfections every day.

Out of struggle very often comes victory.

Defeating human trafficking is a great moral calling of our time.

Highly resilient people are flexible, adapt to new circumstances quickly, and thrive in constant change.

I am quite my own master, agreeably lodged, perfectly easy in my circumstances.

They have a knack for creating good luck out of circumstances that many others see as bad luck.

Today, as a result of a miraculous set of circumstances,

The possibility of a war under the current circumstances is not far-fetched and there is some evidence for that.

Be mindful, be compassionate and nurture the circumstances that find you in this good time so it will last longer.

Like, how does age and circumstance equate to some kind of personality trait?

Now the pessimist proper is the most modest of men. … under no circumstances does he presume to imagine that he, a mere unit of pain, can in any degree change or soften the remorseless words of fate.