Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that your work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect.

[observation as First Lady, 2016] Each morning I wake up in a house that was built by slaves.

[a special Thanksgiving thought, 2013] Miiitary families don't complain. They're proud of their service and more than willing to make the sacrifices that come with it. And no matter how tough it gets, because they're so strong and resilient they somehow keep everything together. They succeed in their jobs, run their households and even find time to serve their communities. So I'm feeling tremendously thankful and I hope you'll join me in working to serve them as well as they've served our country.

[2013: Opening remarks while presenting the Academy Award for Best Picture] These nine movies took us back in time and all around the world. They made us laugh, they made us weep, they made us grip our armrest a little tighter. They taught us that love can endure against all odds and transform our lives in the most surprising ways. And they reminded us that we can overcome any obstacle if we work hard enough, and dig deep enough, and find the courage in ourselves. These lessons apply to all of us, no matter who we are, or what we look like, or where we come from, or who we love, but they are especially important for our young people. Every day, through engagement in the arts our children learn to open their imaginations, to dream just a little bigger, and to strive every day to reach those dreams. And I want to thank all of you tonight, for being here to fulfill that vitally important work.

[joking about her self-described 'mid-life crisis'] I couldn't get a sports car, they won't let me bungee-jump, so instead I cut my bangs.

Choose people who lift you up. Find people who will make you better... Of course I've made my husband better!