Michelle Obama

This generation, because of social media and the internet, kids are more exposed to more people and more cultures. I think that they are more open in ways. They are less tolerant of obvious inequities. This generation will look at what is happening now in the world and say, ‘This doesn’t feel right because this wasn’t what I was taught.’

My daughters are the heart of my heart and the center of my world.

When I’m happier and healthier, my family is happier and healthier, and it affects how I interact with my friends and the people I work with.

Our life before moving to Washington was filled with simple joys. Saturdays at soccer games, Sundays at Grandma’s house. And a date night for Barack and me was either dinner or a movie, because as an exhausted mom, I couldn’t stay awake for both. He was still the guy who’d picked me up for our dates in a car that was so rusted out, I could actually see the pavement going by through a hole in the passenger-side door.

I view myself as being the average woman.

At the root of this dilemma is the way we view mental health in this country. Whether an illness affects your heart, your leg or your brain, it’s still an illness, and there should be no distraction.

Not everybody is perfect, and I don’t think we should be looking for perfect people.

The end of the animal trade would leave more time to trap or beat to death pop star wannabes.

I think you have to judge everything based on your personal taste. And if that means being critical, so be it. I hate political correctness. I absolutely loathe it.

If you’ve got a big mouth and you’re controversial, you’re going to get attention.

I’m an instant star. Just add water and stir.

My attitude is, if someone’s going to criticize me, tell me to my face.

In Hollywood if you don’t have a shrink, people think you’re crazy.

I think that by ignoring the show you’re ignoring the audience who put you there.

My proudest achievement has been the success of the shows and artists I have been involved with, because they were made in Britain.