"Previously published in 2016 as Barack Obama: his essential wisdom"--Title page verso.

Early years -- America -- Politics -- The 2008 presidential election -- The presidency -- Government, democracy, and freedom -- Equality and justice -- The economy, labor, and business -- Gun violence and crime -- Reform and accomplishments -- Race and racism -- Women -- The environment -- Knowledge, education, and innovation -- Peace, war, and foreign policy -- Hardship, hope, and change -- Religion, morality, and values -- Family -- Life's pleasures -- Presidential wit -- The wisdom of Barack Obama.

"Obama's skill at expressing deep empathy and thoughtful idealism made him a bestselling author at an early age. These selections have been drawn from his speeches, interviews, essays, books, social media posts, and other writings over the past 20 years. They reveal a sharp intellect, dynamic leadership style, and steadfast determination. Arranged thematically, the quotations reveal his thoughts and feelings, and even the occasional joke, about the many issues he faced during his two terms as president, from universal healthcare and same-sex equality to racial equality, and the threat of terrorism."--Provided by publisher.