The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.

Analysis

The quote matches the text of Obama’s 2008 Wesleyan speech, which was widely reported and archived. The phrasing aligns with his rhetorical style of emphasizing personal agency and civic engagement, a recurring theme in his addresses. No credible sources dispute the attribution, and the speech transcript confirms the statement’s accuracy. The context—encouraging graduates to take action—is consistent with the event’s purpose.

Background

Barack Obama, then a U.S. Senator and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, delivered the commencement address at Wesleyan University in May 2008. The speech focused on themes of hope, responsibility, and active participation in shaping society, reflecting his campaign’s broader messaging. Wesleyan’s official records and major news outlets, including *The New York Times* and *The Hartford Courant*, covered the event and quoted this passage.

Verdict summary

Barack Obama did make this statement during his May 25, 2008, commencement address at Wesleyan University, as verified by official transcripts and media coverage.

Sources consulted