Barack Obama's Inspirational Speech with Subtitles || One of the best English speeches ever 2023

Summary

The speaker shares personal stories of overcoming challenges, emphasizing the importance of education for future success. They encourage students to set goals, persevere through failures, and contribute positively to society, highlighting that education is key to solving America's challenges and building a better future.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Family Background: The speaker lived in Indonesia for a few years and received extra lessons from their mother due to financial constraints.
• 👩‍👦 Single Parent Struggles: Raised by a single mother who worked hard to provide an American education and faced financial difficulties.
• 💪 Overcoming Adversity: Despite challenges, the speaker received second chances and pursued higher education, becoming successful.
• 👩‍🎓 Michelle Obama's Story: Similar background with hardworking parents who valued education, leading her to attend the best schools.
• 🎓 Importance of Education: Emphasizes the necessity of education for future success in any career path, such as doctors, teachers, and public servants.
• 🇺🇸 National Future: Education is crucial not only for individual success but also for the future of the country, addressing challenges like disease, energy, and poverty.
• 🧠 Developing Skills: Encourages students to develop their talents and skills in various subjects to solve complex problems and innovate.
• 🚫 No Excuses: Stresses that life circumstances should not be excuses for neglecting education, bad attitudes, or dropping out.
• 📚 Commitment: Urges students to set goals for their education, work hard, and commit to continuous improvement despite failures.
• 👥 Asking for Help: Highlights the importance of seeking help from trusted adults and never giving up on oneself, as persistence is key to success.

Q & A

Where did the speaker live during their childhood?

The speaker lived in Indonesia for a few years during their childhood.

Why couldn't the speaker attend the school where other American kids went?

The speaker's mother didn't have the money to send them to the school where other American kids went.

What did the speaker's mother do to ensure they received an American education?

The speaker's mother decided to teach them extra lessons herself, from Monday through Friday.

At what time of the day did the speaker's mother teach them?

The speaker's mother taught them at 4:30 in the morning.

What did the speaker's mother say when the speaker complained about the early morning lessons?

The speaker's mother would say, 'This is no picnic for me either, buster.'

What was the speaker's father's role in their life?

The speaker's father left the family when the speaker was two years old, and the speaker was raised by a single mom.

What challenges did the speaker face growing up?

The speaker faced challenges such as missing having a father, feeling lonely, not fitting in, and getting into more trouble than they should have.

How did the speaker's life change after getting a chance to go to college and law school?

The speaker was able to follow their dreams after getting a chance to go to college and law school.

What is the background of the speaker's wife, Michelle Obama?

Michelle Obama's parents did not go to college and they didn't have a lot of money, but they worked hard so she could go to the best schools in the country.

What is the main message the speaker wants to convey to the students?

The main message is that education is crucial for achieving one's dreams and contributing to the future of the country.

What does the speaker suggest students do to succeed in school and life?

The speaker suggests setting goals for education, working hard, not being afraid to ask for help, and not giving up on oneself or the country.

How does the speaker describe the importance of education in solving the country's problems?

The speaker emphasizes that education is essential for developing the knowledge, problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking needed to address major challenges such as disease, poverty, environmental issues, and economic growth.

What advice does the speaker give about dealing with failures?

The speaker advises that failures should be seen as learning opportunities rather than defining moments, and that persistence and hard work are key to success.

What is the speaker's view on the role of teachers and other adults in students' lives?

The speaker believes that teachers and other trusted adults play a crucial role in helping students stay on track and achieve their educational goals.