Epigrams in President Barack Obama's Farewell Address 2017

(this came from my drafts, i have to publish it once and for all)


I watched President Obama's Farewell address live, via YouTube Streaming. I know I am apolitical  on the US' political scene, yet to the inquisitive mind, i chose to finish it until the end, albeit i came from a work shift and i should be sleeping already that time.


Please indulge yourselves on these beautiful and profound thoughts coming from him. I have to mention, he never looked at his teleprompter or "kodigo" while delivering his speech, that was my observation. Did he do his speech extemporaneously? I knew he prepared for it but to convey such address in almost an hour farewell is such a mastery. He delivered it with conviction, with heart, and creating a trance you get to gravitate with during the full course of his speech.



"My fellow Americans, Michelle and I have been so touched by all the well wishes that we’ve received over the past few weeks.  But tonight, it’s my turn to say thanks."


"Whether we have seen eye-to-eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people, in living rooms and in schools, at farms, on factory floors, at diners and on distant military outposts -– those conversations are what have kept me honest, and kept me inspired, and kept me going. " 


"And every day, I have learned from you.  You made me a better President, and you made me a better man." 


"Change only happens when ordinary people get involved and they get engaged, and they come together to demand it"


"For every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back.  But the long sweep of America has been defined by forward motion, a constant widening of our founding creed to embrace all and not just some."


"In 10 days, the world will witness a hallmark of our democracy."


"Our youth, our drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention means that the future should be ours.  But that potential will only be realized if our democracy works.  Only if our politics better reflects the decency of our people."


"If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talk with one in real life. If something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing."

  
"Show up.  Dive in.  Persevere."


"Sometimes you’ll win.  Sometimes you’ll lose."


"If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself."






There was more, but for now - let's enjoy the richness of his wisdom. 

~billymacdeus