奥巴马给女儿的一封信：停止在做的17件事

奥巴马给女儿的信：梦想不受限制，无事不能成就（中英文）‘What I Want for You — and Every Child in America'By President-elect Barack ObamaPublication Date: 01/14/2009Next Tuesday, Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th President. On this historic occasion, PARADE asked the President-elect, who is also a devoted family man, to get personal and tell us what he wants for his children. Here, he shares his letter to them.Dear Malia and Sasha,I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore.I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country-but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free-that with the greatprivilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better-and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.Love, Dad奥巴马给女儿的信：梦想不受限制，无事不能成就出版日期：2009年1月14日美国新当选总统巴拉克•奥巴马在即将上任之际，写了封感性十足的公开信给两个尚未成年的女儿，为这2年来多半时间没能陪在她们身旁致上歉意，并为自己为何选择迈向白宫之路做了番解释。

dear Malia and Sasha,I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, g oing to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother a nd I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed thes e past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to tak e our family on this journey.When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me — about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of y ou came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that nev er fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself di dn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I w as able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in you rs. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential — schools that cha llenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world aro und them. I want them to have the chance to go to college — even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefi ts like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with d ignity.I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technolog ies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race an d region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other. Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into warand other dangerous situations to protect our country — but when we do, I want t o make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our di fferences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings the se brave Americans fight for are not free — that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, readin g me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put t o paper two centuries ago should mean something.She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but becaus e it can always be made better — and that the unfinished work of perfecting our u nion falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with e ach new generation to what we know America should be.I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and worki ng to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much — although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will r ealize your true potential.These are the things I want for you — to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, c ommitted women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the s ame chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I 've taken our family on this great adventure.I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grate ful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.Love, Dad。

奥巴马给女儿一封信英文版美国总统奥巴马给自己的女儿写了封信，信中饱含对女儿们的爱意。

下面店铺整理了奥巴马给女儿一封信英文版，欢迎阅读。

奥巴马给女儿一封信英文版篇一Dear Malia and Sasha,I know that you‘ve both had a lot of fun these last two years onthe campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs,eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’thave let you have. But I also know that it hasn‘t always been easyfor you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that newpuppy, it doesn‘t make up for all the time we‘ve been apart. I knowhow much I‘ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tellyou a little more about why I decided to take our family on thisjourney。

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about howI’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the thingsI want. But then the two of you came into my world with all yourcuriosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill myheart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans formyself didn‘t seem so important anymore. I soon found that thegreatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realizedthat my own life wouldn‘t count for much unless I was able tonsurethat you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment inyours. In the end, girls, that‘s why I ran for President: becauseof what I want for you and for every child in this nation。

妈妈写给女儿的心里话[奥巴马给女儿们的信件]奥巴马已经成为了英国的神!美国人民热切期盼他能真正拯救美国。

我们节选了他给女儿们的这封信，让我们从一个父亲的角度了解了奥巴马。

他是一位了不起的父亲!在我小的时候，我认为生活的一切都是以我为中心――关于如何出人头地，如何去成功，如何得到我所想要的一切。

但是，你们两个来到了我的世界里，你们对世界的好奇，你们的微笑总是让我感到无比幸福。

突然，我那些曾经有过的野心变得不再重要!不久，我发现，我最大的快乐就是看到你们快乐。

我也意识到，如果我不能确保你们有追求幸福和成就的机会，那么我的人生也没有什么意义!亲爱的女儿们，这就是我为什么竞选总统的原因，因为我想让你们和这个国家的每一个孩子幸福! 有时，我们得派遣我们的年轻人到战争或其他危险的境地中去，以保卫我们的国家――但是当我们如此做的时候，我要确认那是具备充足理由的，我们尽力去和平解决与他人的分歧，还有我们尽可能保证我们的公职人员的人身安全。

且我希望每个孩子都明白这些勇敢的美国人为此斗争的福祉并非唾手可得――身为这个国家的公民，虽享有广泛的公民权利，同时亦要承担沉重的公民义务。

我想你们俩接过这个任务，去纠正你们所见的错误，赋予他人与你相等的机会。

不单是因为你们有义务去回馈这个给予我们一家如此之多的国家――虽说你们确有此义务。

而是因为你们对自己要有所担当。

因为只有当为着比个人更远大的东西而行进时，你们才能发现自己真正的潜力。

我为你们俩感到骄傲。

我对你们的爱超越你们的想像。

我们即将迎来新的生活，非常感谢你们所展现出来的耐心、姿态、优雅和幽默。

奥巴马写给女儿的建议，大家可以一起看看。

Life is short. It may feel like it takes forever sometimes, but the reality is that you live, and a short time later, you die. It happens so quickly, many people don’t even realize they had a life until it’s already over.生命如此短暂。

我们有时候觉得生命怎么也走不完，实际上，你现在活着，过不了多久，就会死去。

人生真是转眼一瞬间的事情，很多人到临死前才意识到这一生已经结束。

1Stop Doubting Yourself 停止怀疑自己If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody will. Success starts in your mind, and if all you’re doing is putting yourself down and predicting failure, it’ll become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead of doubting yourself, thinkpositively. Not only will you be happier and more successful, you’ll spread it to everyone around you.如果你自己都不相信自己，那没人会相信你。

成功源于你的头脑，如果你所做的是不断地看扁自己，预言着未来的失败，这就真的会成为现实。

与其怀疑自己，不如积极的考虑问题。

不仅会让自己更加开心和成功，你还能够感染到周围的人。

2Stop Being Negative 停止消极Now that you’re done doubting yourself, stop doubting others. You don’t like when people are critical of you, sostop being critical of others. Think about how you make other people feel – even if you have good intentions, people don’t like hearing negativity.现在你不要再怀疑自己了，也别再怀疑身边的人。

奥巴马给女儿的座右铭1.Stop Being a Pushover不要做老好人We live in a capitalistic society in which everyone’s trying to sell us something. Everyone’s looking out for themselves in one way or another, and you need to do the same. Stop putting yourself out because you’re too shy to say no.我们所处的社会，每个人都试图告知我们一些事情。

每个人都从不同的角度去找寻着自己，你也需要，你要做的就是在合适的时候说不。

2.Stop Listening to Haters不要听讨厌的人说话No matter what you want to do in life, there’s always someone around to tell you why it can’t and won’t work. I can come up with millions of reasons Twitter won’t work, and yet it’s one of the most popular social media sites on the web. My opinion didn’t stop Twitter’s success any more than itconvinced Kobe Bryant to quit the NBA or Josh Hartnett to stop acting. Why would you let someone’s opinion stop you?无论你想干什么，总会有人告诉你不要这么做，没有用的。

我可以想出成百万条推特不实用的理由，但它还是互联网上最流行的社交网站之一。

奥巴马给女儿的信亲切、自然、朴实，17条建议非常具体，每一条都可以做得到，每一条都有益。

没有父亲或总统的“谆谆教导”，从“不在外面吃饭”这类小事，到“这个世界是一个完全由大家分享的世界，你所做的每件事都会影响到别人”这类普世价值观，奥巴马都说得贴切，自然，优美。

1.Stop Doubting Yourself停止怀疑自己如果你自己都不相信自己，那没人会相信你。

成功源于你的头脑，如果你所做的是不断地看扁自己，预言着未来的失败，这就真的会成为现实。

与其怀疑自己，不如积极的考虑问题。

不仅会让自己更加开心和成功，你还能够感染到周围的人。

2.Stop Being Negative停止消极现在你不要再怀疑自己了，也别再怀疑身边的人。

你不希望被人对你挑剔，那么也不要再去挑剔身边的人。

想想你给别人带来的什么样的感受吧——即使出发点是好的，别人也不想听到那么多消极的事情呀。

3.Stop Procrastinating停止拖延我现在不想做，还是留到明天吧。

一旦开始拖延，其实你已经停滞不前了。

你拖延的事情不会自行解决。

解决问题，继续前行吧。

从长远角度来说你会更加快乐。

4.Stop Being Mean不要那么刻薄无意踩到别人的情况真的有可能会发生——常常会发生。

但没必要去处心积虑地做一些不好的事情，所以要有意识地让自己不要那么刻薄。

如果有人对你无理地对待，随他们去好了。

没必要去报复，除非你也想成为那一类的人。

5.Stop Eating Out不要在外吃饭在外面吃饭真的非常非常的浪费钱。

也许每次对于你而言都是一次犒赏，但每顿都在外面吃反而是花光积蓄的最快方式。

至少也去学学怎么做一些自己喜欢的菜：既能省钱，还能让你更健康，还会让其他人眼前一亮。

6.Stop Being Lazy不要再偷懒懒人真的很招人烦——得像赶驴磨墨一样逼着他们做事情。

如果我想跟你看一场电影，却不得不花一个小时说服你起床，那我宁愿一个人去看。

给自己动力都不是件容易的事情，就别让朋友和家人浪费宝贵的精力再来给你动力了吧。

龙源期刊网
奥巴马给女儿的一封信
作者：奥巴马
来源：《七彩语文·中高年级》2010年第07期
亲爱的马莉亚和莎夏:
当我还年轻的时候,我认为生活就该绕着我转:我如何在这世上得心应手,成功立业,得到我想要的。

后来,你们俩进入了我的世界,带来的种种好奇、淘气和微笑,总能填满我的心,照亮我的日子。

突然之间,我为自己谱写的伟大计划显得不再那么重要了。

我很快便发现,我在你们生命中看到的快乐,就是我自己生命中最大的快乐。

而我也同时体会到,如果我不能确保你们此生能够拥有追求幸福和自我实现的一切机会,我自己的生命也就没有多大价值。

总而言之,我的女儿,这就是我竞选总统的原因:我要让你们俩和这个国家的每一个孩子,都能拥有我想要给你们的东西。

我要让所有儿童都在能够发掘他们潜能的学校就读;这些学校要能挑战他们,激励他们,并激发他们对身处的这个世界的好奇心。

我要让他们有机会上大学,哪怕他们的父母并不富有。

而且我要让他们能找到好的工作:薪酬高还附带健康保险的工作,让他们有时间陪孩子、并且能带着尊严退休的工作。

这些是我想要让你们得到的东西:在一个梦想不受限制、无事不能成就的世界中长大,长成具有慈悲心、坚持理想、能帮忙打造这样一个世界的女性。

我要每个孩子都有和你们一样的机会,去学习、梦想、成长、发展。

这就是我带领我们一家展开这趟大冒险的原因。

爱你们的老爹奥巴马
这是奥巴马在即将上任之际给他两个女儿的一封信。

他真挚地向女儿们叙述了自己的理想和竞选的原因,并教给她们责任和理想。

不难看出,奥巴马绝对是一个好爸爸。

美国总统奥巴马给他女儿的信Letter from the US President Obama to his daughtersDear Malia and Sasha,You have a lot of fun these two years when I am busy with my work. you go to picnics,visit museums and eat all kinds of food with your mum. You also have a new puppy 。

But I know sometimes you are unhappy,because I can't stay with you, or share thesebeautiful thingswith you. I am sorry for that. Today I will tell you some of my i-deas of becoming the US president.When you two come into my world, you bring a lot of happiness to me. And I wantyou and all kids of your ages to live happily.I want all children to go to schools. I want them to have the chance to go tocollege—even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jods when they grow up.I want you to see new inventions. I want you to see the earth become more and morebeautiful.We try our best to build a peaceful world. We are fighting for freedom and safety.I want every child to have beautiful dreams. And I will work for it.I am so prud of both of you, and I love you very much! Let 's start our new lifetogether in the White House.Love, Dad美國總統奧巴馬給她女兒的信親愛的瑪利亞與薩沙，你在我置身於工作期間很快了吧。

奥巴马写给女儿的一封信：停止在做的17件事Life is short. It may feel like it takes forever sometimes, but the reality is that you live, and a short time later, you die. It happens so quickly, many people don’t even realize they had a life until it’s already over.1 – Stop Doubting Yourself 停止怀疑自己If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody will. Success starts in your mind, and if all you’re doing is putting yourself down and predicting failure, it’ll become a self-fulfilling prophecy(自我应验的预言). Instead of doubting yourself, think positively. Not only will you be happier and more successful, you’ll spread it to everyone around you.2 – Stop Being Negative 停止消极Now that you’re not doubting yourself, stop doubting others. You don’t like when people are critical of you, so stop being critical of others. Think about how you make other people feel –even if you have good intentions, people don’t like hearing negativity.3 – Stop Procrastinating 停止拖延I don’t feel like procrastinating right now – I’ll do it tomorrow. When you procrastinate, you remain stagnant(adj. 停滞的；不景气的；污浊的；迟钝的). Whatever you’re putting off doesn’t go away; resolve the problem, and move on. You’ll be much happier in the long run.4 – Stop Being Mean 不要那么刻薄It’s completely possible to step on someone’s toes without meaning to– it happens all the time. There’s no need to pile on by purposefully doing mean things, so make aconscious effort to stop being mean. If someone wrongs you, let it go. There’s no need to seek revenge unless that’s the type of person you want to be.5 – Stop Eating Out 不要在外吃饭Eating out is the biggest waste of money. Every so often it’s nice to treat yourself, but eating out for every meal is the quickest way to drain your bank account. Learn how to cook at least a handful of foods yo u enjoy: It’ll save you money, keep you healthier, and occasionally impress people.6 – Stop Being Lazy 不要再偷懒Lazy people are annoying– it’s like pulling teeth getting them to do anything. If I can’t do something as simple as going to a movie with you without having to factor in an hour of convincing you to get your lazy butt out of bed, I’d rather go alone. People have enough trouble motivating themselves; don’t make your friends and family waste their valuable energy motivating you as well.7 – Stop Complaining 停止抱怨We all have problems, and sometimes we need to vent to someone. That’s acceptable, but pay attention to how often you’re venting. We all love helping our friends and family, but when all you get from someone is negativ ity, it’s easier to cut them off than help, especially if they’re always complaining about the same things.8 – Stop Being Selfish 别再那么自私If you only think about yourself, you’ll soon find yourself by yourself. Stop for a minute and think about how your actions affect other people – did you take the last cup of coffee from the break room? Refill it! Do you live with others? Don’t drink out the milk carton. We share this world 100% of the time, so every action you take can affect other people.9 – Stop Wasting Time 别再浪费时间I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: time is the most valuable resource we have. Don’t waste your time on unproductive things. If you want to explore the world’s dark corners, that’s great. I still associate with people who have not-so-kosher careers, but I don’t hang out with those people at the expense of my own short- and long-term goals.10 – Stop Making Promises 别再做承诺Always under-promise and over-deliver. When you make a promise, you’re adding responsibility to y our plate that, despite all your best intentions, you may not be able to deliver on(keep one’s word). More often than not, your promise is an absolute （i.e “I promise I’ll always love you”），and only Sith deal in absolutes. Instead of making a promise with your words, simply be there when people need you, and exceed their expectations with your actions.11 – Stop Being a Pushover 不要做老好人We live in a capitalistic society in which everyone’s trying to sell us something. Everyone’s looking out for themselves in one way or another, and you need to do the same. Stop putting yourself out because you’re too shy to say no.12 – Stop Listening to Haters 不要听讨厌的人说话No matter what you want to do in life, there’s always someone around to tell you why it can’t and won’t work. I can come up with millions of reasons Twitter won’t work, and yet it’s one of the most popular social media sites on the web. My opinion didn’t stop Twitter’s success any more than it convinced Kobe Bryant to quit the NBA or Josh Hartnett to stop acting. Why would you let someone’s opinion stop you13 – Stop Being Wasteful 停止浪费You don’t finish your meals, and away food instead. You leave the tap running when you brush your teeth, pouring precious water down the drain. You drive places you could easily walk, burning gasoline （a non-renewable resource）。

奥巴马给女儿的一封信我的爱丽丝，在你走出我们家的大门前，我想写信给你，表达出我对你的爱、鼓励和支持。

你即将开始一个全新的征程，去追寻自己的梦想，去创造属于你自己的未来。

虽然我认为你已经准备好了，但我仍然希望用这封信告诉你一些我在你成长过程中学到的重要事情。

首先，要知道你的价值和能力。

无论发生什么，无论别人如何评价你，你必须亲自相信自己是有价值的，有能力的。

我希望你明白，你有无限的潜力，你可以通过努力成为你想成为的人。

不要让任何人、任何困难或任何失望让你失去自信。

你有才华和智慧，你能够克服一切困难。

其次，要尊重自己和他人。

在人生的道路上，你会遇到各种各样的人，他们有不同的背景、观点和意见。

要学会尊重他们的差异，尊重他们的权利和感受。

不要因为别人不同于你而对他们心存恶意或偏见。

记住，只有尊重他人，你才能得到别人的尊重。

第三，你要有勇气去追求自己的梦想。

人生的道路不会一帆风顺，你可能会遇到挫折和失败。

但这并不意味着你应该放弃。

相反，你要有勇气去面对困难，坚持不懈地追求自己的梦想。

找到你热爱的事物，然后努力奋斗，追求卓越。

即使失败了，也要从失败中学到经验，继续前行。

此外，要学会爱和关心他人。

我们是社会的一部分，我们的幸福与他人紧密相连。

不要忘记给予别人关爱和支持，帮助那些需要我们帮助的人。

通过关心他人，我们才能成为更好的人，并在自己生活中获得更大的满足感。

最后，我想提醒你记住，无论你走到哪里，无论你在做什么，我们都会一直支持你。

我们是你的家人，我们一直都爱你、关心你。

无论你经历了什么，无论你犯了什么错误，我们都会在你身边。

不要害怕向我们寻求帮助和支持。

我们愿意为你提供所需要的一切。

亲爱的爱丽丝，你是我们生命中的光芒，我们一直都为你感到骄傲。

我希望你不仅仅成为一个成功的个体，更要成为一个有所作为的公民和一个心怀善意的人。

你有责任和能力去改变这个世界，让它变得更美好。

无论何时何地，无论你面临什么困难，记住你的父亲永远都会在你身边。

奥巴马给女儿的信作者：乐慧生来源：《润·文摘》2009年第04期美国总统奥巴马在即将上任之际，写了封感性十足的公开信给两个尚未成年的女儿。

为这两年多半时间没能陪在她们身旁致上歉意，并为自己为何选择迈向白宫之路做了番解释。

这封信发表在《美国大观》杂志上，全文翻译如下：亲爱的马莉亚和莎夏：我知道这两年你们俩随我一路竞选都有过不少乐子，野餐、游行、逛州博览会，吃了各种或许我和你妈不该让你们吃的垃圾食物。

然而我也知道，你们俩和你妈的日子，有时候并不惬意。

新来的小狗虽然令你们兴奋，却无法弥补我们不在一起的所有时光。

我明白这两年我错过的太多了，今天我要再向你们说说为何我决定带领我们一家走上这趟旅程。

当我还年轻的时候，我认为生活就该绕着我转：我如何在这世上得心应手，成功立业，得到我想要的。

后来，你们俩进入了我的世界，带来的种种好奇、淘气和微笑，总能填满我的心，照亮我的日子。

突然之间，我为自己谱写的伟大计划显得不再那么重要了。

我很快便发现，我在你们生命中看到的快乐，就是我自己生命中最大的快乐。

而我也同时体会到，如果我不能确保你们此生能够拥有追求幸福和自我实现的一切机会，我自己的生命也没多大价值。

总而言之，我的女儿，这就是我竞选总统的原因：我要让你们俩和这个国家的每一个孩子，都能拥有我想要给他们的东西。

你们的祖母让我了解到，美国之所以伟大，不是因为它完美，而是因为我们可以不断让它变得更好，而让它更好的未竟工作，就落在我们每个人的身上。

这是我们交给孩子们的责任，每过一代，美国就更接近我们的理想。

我希望你们俩都愿接下这个工作，看到不对的事要想办法改正，努力帮助别人获得你们有过的机会。

这并非只因国家给了我们一家这么多，你们也当有所回馈，虽然你们的确有这个义务，而是因为你们对自己负有义务。

这些是我想要让你们得到的东西：在一个梦想不受限制、无事不能成就的世界中长大，长成具有慈悲心、坚持理想，能帮忙打造这样一个世界的女性。

Dear Malia andSasha,I know that you‘ve both had a lot of fun these last two years onthe campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs,eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn‘thave let you have. But I also know that it hasn‘t always been easyfor you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that newpuppy, it doesn‘t make up for all the time we‘ve been apart. I knowhow much I‘ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tellyou a little more about why I decided to take our family on thisjourney。

亲爱的马莉亚和莎夏：我明白这两年你们俩随我一路竞选都有过很多乐子，野餐、游行、逛州展览会，吃了各类或许我和你妈不该让你们吃的垃圾食物。

可是我也明白，你们俩和你妈的日子，有时候并非惬意。

新来的小狗虽然令你们兴奋，却无法弥补咱们不在一路的所有光阴。

我明白这两年我错过的太多了，今天我要再向你们说说为何我决定率领咱们一家走上这趟旅程。

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about howI‘d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the thingsI want. But then the two of you came into my world with all yourcuriosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill myheart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans formyself didn‘t seem so important anymore. I soon found that thegreatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realizedthat my own life wouldn‘t count for much unless I was able toensure that you had every opportunity forhappiness and fulfillmentin yours. In the end, girls, that‘s why I ran for President:because of what I want for you and for every child in thisnation。

奥巴马给女儿的一封信亲爱的马莉亚和莎夏：我知道这两年你们俩随我一路竞选都有过很多乐子，野餐、游行、逛州博览会，吃了各种或许我和你妈不该让你们吃的垃圾食物。

不过我也知道，你们俩和你妈的日子，有时候并不惬意。

新来的小狗虽然令你们兴奋，却无法补充我们不在一起的所有时光。

我明白这两年我错过的太多了，今天我要再向你们说说为何我决定带着我们一家走上这趟旅程。

当我还年轻的时候，我认为生活就该绕着我转：我如何在这世上得心应手，成功立业，得到我想要的。

后来，你们俩进入了我的世界，带来的种种好奇、淘气和微笑，总能填满我的心，照亮我的日子。

突然之间，我为自己谱写的伟大计划显得不再那么重要了。

我很快便发现，我在你们生命中看到的快乐，就是我自己生命中最大的快乐。

而我也同时体会到，假如我不能确保你们此生能够拥有追求幸福和自我实现的一切机会，我自己的生命也没多大价值。

总来说之，我的女儿，这就是我竞选总统的原因：我要让你们俩和这个国家的每一个孩子，都能拥有我想要给他们的东西。

你们的祖母让我理解到，美国之所以伟大，不是因为它完美，而是因为我们能够持续让它变得更好，而让它更好的未竟工作，就落在我们每个人的身上。

这是我们交给孩子们的责任，每过一代，美国就更接近我们的理想。

我希望你们俩都愿接下这个工作，看到不对的事要想办法改正，努力协助别人获得你们有过的机会。

这并非只因国家给了我们一家这么多，你们也当有所回馈，虽然你们的确有这个义务，而是因为你们对自己负有义务。

这些是我想要让你们得到的东西：在一个梦想不受限制、无事不能成就的世界中长大，长成具慈悲心、坚持理想，能帮助打造这样一个世界的女性。

我要每个孩子都有和你们一样的机会，去学习、梦想、成长、发展。

这就是我带着我们一家展开这趟大冒险的原因。

我深以你俩为荣，你们永远不会明白我有多爱你们，在我们准备一同在白宫开始新生活之际，我没有一天不为你们的忍耐、沉稳、明理和幽默而心存感激。

爱你们的老爹。

Dear Malia and Sasha,I know that you‘ve both had a lot of fun these last two y ears on the campaign trail,going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't let you have.But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart.I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want.But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day.And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours.And I realized that my own life wouldn‘t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours.In the end, girls, that‘s why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and f or every child in this nation。