Barack Obama plays basketball with members of Congress and Cabinet secretaries. [Widimedia Commons]

Barack Obama can easily be considered among the most inspiring leaders the world has seen in recent times. Here are some of his most inspiring quotes.

"We may have come from different places and have different stories, but share common hopes, and one very American dream." - AP Annual Luncheon, Washington, D.C. (April 14, 2008)

"We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity." - Second Inaugural Address, Washington D.C. (January 21, 2013)

"America's never been about what can be done for us. It's about what can be done by us together through the hard and frustrating, but necessary work of self-government." - McCormick Place convention center, Chicago, Illinois (November 6, 2012)

"That's not how our democracy functions. That's not how our Constitution is written. So let's be honest. I need a dance partner here -- and the floor is empty." - Remarks by the President to the National Council of La Raza (July 25, 2011)

"Surely there will be difficult days to come. But the United States will continue to stand up for the rights of the Egyptian people and work with their government in pursuit of a future that is more just, more free, and more hopeful." - Remarks by the President on the Situation in Egypt (January 28, 2011)

"The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens." - Remarks by the President on Osama bin Laden, The White House. (May 1, 2011)

"We must begin by acknowledging the hard truth: We will not eradicate violent conflict in our lifetimes. There will be times when nations -- acting individually or in concert -- will find the use of force not only necessary but morally justified." - Address during the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Norway (December 9, 2009)

"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there." - Election victory speech, Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois (November 4, 2008)