“They didn’t own a house. We were their investment, me and Craig. Everything went into us.”

I didn’t want them ever to believe that life began when the man of the house arrived home. We didn’t wait for Dad. It was his job now to catch up with us.

I was determined to be someone who told the truth, using my voice to lift up the voiceless when I could, and to not disappear on people in need. I understood that when I showed up somewhere,

I like the idea of being rigorous about friendship.

What do you want to be when you grow up? As if growing up is finite. As if at some point you become something and that’s the end.

One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don’t invest any energy in them, because I know who I am.

And there’s grace in being willing to know and hear others. This, for me, is how we become.

Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.

Good relationships feel good. They feel right. They don’t hurt.

failure is a feeling long before it’s an actual result.

I was deeply, delightfully in love with a guy whose forceful intellect and ambition could possibly end up swallowing mine.

If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.

The realities are that, you know, as a black man, you know, Barack can get shot going to the gas station, you know.

Focus on what you can control. Be a good person every day. Vote. Read. Treat one another kindly. Follow the law. Don’t tweet nasty stuff.

When you’re First Lady, America shows itself to you in its extremes.

Bullies were scared people hiding inside scary people.

I’ve learned that it’s harder to hate up close.

Ask yourself if you would feel comfortable giving your two best friends a key to your house. If not, look for some new best friends.

Love is a bridge over the sea of change. Do not build a house on it.

We made a plan at school to meet in her garage and kiss. It was like this little business deal. I kissed her and then I ran home

The day every poor person in this country has a toilet in his home and his fuel requirements are met, whoever is the PM then shall rule for at least 25 years.

I cannot recite Hanuman chalisa at home and wear a skull cap outside just to attract votes. It is my responsibility that, without losing my identity, I must ensure a peaceful environment for people of all faiths so that they can follow their beliefs.

Since the day Brahma created the world to this day, no one’s ever been able to satisfy a wedding guest. They always find some opportunity or other to find fault and criticise. One who can’t even afford a dry piece of bread at home becomes a lord at the wedding party.

I’m taking my skills to different people’s homes that have stoves for it.

A house must be built on solid foundations if it is to last. The same principle applies to man, otherwise he too will sink back into the soft ground and becomes swallowed up by the world of illusion.