Barack Obama's Last Presidential Speech: Highlights

US President Barack Obama made his farewell speech in Chicago today as he closes the book on his presidency. Chicago is his adoptive hometown, where he has addressed a sold-out crowd, not far from where he accepted presidency eight years ago. Barack Obama's final speech as president was also his last chance to try to define what his presidency meant for the US. Reports say the outgoing US president had asked his team to craft a speech that would feel "bigger than politics" and speak to all Americans - including those who voted for president-elect Donald Trump. "For Michelle and me, Chicago is where it all started. It's the city that showed us the power and fundamental goodness of the American people," President Obama had said in a Facebook post previewing his remarks, adding "I'm returning to where it all began to offer my most grateful farewell to the American people. I hope you'll join me - I want to thank you for everything you've done."

Following are the highlights of President Barack Obama's final speech:

• You can tell that I'm laidback because nobody's following instructions
• Michelle and I are so touched by all the good wishes we received over the last few days
• Every day, I have learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man
• I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged, and come together to demand it.
• A great gift our Founders gave us. The freedom to chase our individual dreams through our sweat, toil, and imagination
• For 240 years, our nation's call to citizenship has given work and purpose to each new generation
• The long sweep of America has been defined by forward motion, a constant widening of our founding creed to embrace all
• It's up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face.
• Our youth and drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk & reinvention mean that the future should be ours
• Our democracy won't work without a sense that everyone has economic opportunity
• Last year, incomes rose for all races, all age groups, for men and for women.
• Going forward, we must uphold laws against discrimination - in hiring, in housing, in education and the criminal justice system
• Let us not become a people that think that our opinions are facts, instead, embrace facts on the basis of the evidence available.
• Without bolder action, our children won't have time to debate...climate change; they'll be busy dealing with its effects
• It has been a privilege to be your commander-in-chief. I salute you all for all that you have done.
• The global coalition we're leading against ISIL has taken out their leaders, and taken away about half their territory.
• America is a nation of great values. That's why I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans, who are just as patriotic and love America just as much as the rest of us do.
• Rivals like Russia and China cannot match our influence around the world unless we betray our constitution and become just another big country that bullies other smaller countries in the world.
• Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted.
• When Congress is dysfunctional, we should draw our districts to encourage politicians to cater to common sense and not rigid extremes.
• America is no fragile thing. But the gains of our long journey to freedom are not assured.
• Our democracy...needs you. Not just when there's an election...but over the full span of a lifetime.
• Michelle, over the past 25 years, you have not only been my wife and the mother of my children... you have also been my best friend.
• A new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model.
• Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women, smart and beautiful, but more importantly, kind and thoughtful and full of passion.
• You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I've done in my life, I'm most proud to be your dad
• Joe Biden, the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware's favorite son: you were the first decision I made as a nominee and the best
• Not just because you have been a great Vice President, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother
• All of you out there... every one of you... every American who lived and breathed the hard work of change... you are the what makes America great.
• My fellow Americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve you.
• Thank you. God bless you. And may God continue to bless the United States of America.