President Obama: Cynicism is a choice – and hope is a better choice

It’s easy to be cynical; in fact, these days it’s kind of trendy. Cynicism passes off for wisdom. But cynicism doesn’t liberate a continent. Cynicism doesn’t build a transcontinental railroad. Cynicism doesn’t send a man to the moon. Cynicism doesn’t invent the Internet. Cynicism doesn’t give women the right to vote. Cynicism doesn’t make sure that people are treated equally regardless of race. Cynicism is a choice, and hope is a better choice.

— President Barack Obama, speaking to a crowd of more than three thousand five hundred people at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis, Minnesota.