Michelle Obama is widely considered to be the greatest first lady to ever grace the White House. After playing a pivotal role in her husband's first presidential election win in 2008, she went on to become a global leader, legendary writer and fashion icon. 

Since leaving the White House, the 56-year-old has become a widely sought-after speaker and best-selling author thanks to her book Becoming, which recently became one of the world's most-read books. 

As the first Black first lady, she spent more than a decade giving spellbinding speeches across the globe, inspiring millions to be their best selves. For those who were enamored with her hallmark sentiment, "When they go low, we go high" but are still struggling to get to that high point, here's some additional help. 

1. “When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don’t stoop to their level. No, our motto is, when they go low, we go high."

The iconic quote, which was part of Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2016, has taken on a life of its own. It has now become a part of the English language lexicon, symbolizing the perseverance women, minorities and even her own family must have to get by in our current world.

Despite Barack Obama leaving office nearly four years ago, politicians and regular citizens continue to use the mantra repeatedly. Her delivery sent the crowd into a frenzy and has become one of her best-remembered quotes. 

2. "You cannot take your freedoms for granted. Just like generations who have come before you, you have to do your part to preserve and protect those freedoms…you need to be preparing yourself to add your voice to our national conversation."

This powerful quote came during one of Obama's final speeches as first lady. Like many of her words, it hit home for people grappling with the struggles of living up to the past efforts of previous generations.

Her ability to forcefully demand better out of everyone while still inspiring us all is unparalleled and was on constant display throughout her time as first lady. 

3. "You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it's important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages."

Mrs. Obama gave this speech during the 2016 Commencement Ceremony for the City College of New York. Throughout her time in office, Obama became a legendary commencement speech aficionado, spurring graduates to beg their schools to bring her in for their own graduations.

Even though this commencement speech was a bit shorter than some of her others, it was packed with dozens of moving quotes that left the crowd captivated. 

4. "I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them."

This quote, from a speech she gave to a gathering of schoolgirls in London, took place while she was with her husband in the United Kingdom for the G20 Summit in 2009. 

Speaking to students at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, Obama left the crowd of young girls in awe. Many of the girls were in tears by the end, thankful that they got a chance to meet the first lady and hear her speak.

"Although the circumstances of our lives may seem very disengaged, with me standing here as the first lady of the United States of America and you just getting through school, I want you to know we have very much in common," Obama said. 

5. “Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives."

Obama often saved her best quotes for pivotal convention speeches, and she brought out the big guns during the Democratic National Convention in 2012. Both of her convention speeches are considered some of the best ever given by a first lady.

Her convention speeches were so good that the current first lady shamelessly copied, word for word, Obama's 2016 speech.

6. "When you've worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you."

Her memoir Becoming is jam-packed full of outstanding quotes that only Obama could conjure up. The book sold more copies in the United States than any other book released in 2018, breaking the record in just over two weeks. 

It has since been translated into 24 different languages, and more than 10 million copies have been sold worldwide. 

There are two other quotes from the book that could easily make this list, but frankly, you should just go buy the book!

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once. But, don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own," she writes in one section.

 “Don’t ever make decisions based on fear. Make decisions based on hope and possibility. Make decisions based on what should happen, not what shouldn’t," she added in another. 

7. “No matter what, you give everybody a fair shake, and when somebody needs a hand, you offer yours."

Obama's speech during the Eastern Kentucky University Commencement in 2013 was one of her best and included some choice quotes that signified her commitment to public service, decency and equality. 

The quote has lived on as one of her most remembered and exemplified how she conducted herself throughout her time as first lady.