In a world often marred by conflict, division, and personal attacks, former First Lady Michelle Obama offered a simple yet profound philosophy during her 2016 Democratic National Convention speech: “When they go low, we go high.” These seven words became a rallying cry for those who believe in dignity, integrity, and the strength of character—even in the face of adversity.
But what does it really mean to “go high” when others go low? And more importantly, why is it so hard—and yet so powerful—to live by this principle?
Let’s unpack this idea, explore what it looks like in action, and understand why choosing the high road is one of the most courageous acts you can commit to in your personal and professional life.
What It Means to Go High
To “go high” means to rise above negativity, pettiness, cruelty, and vindictiveness. It’s about choosing grace over grudges, maturity over manipulation, and purpose over pride.
It’s not weakness. It’s not passivity. And it certainly isn’t about being naive or letting others walk all over you.
Going high is strength under control.
It’s showing up with values—even when you’re tempted to compromise them.
It’s responding instead of reacting.
It’s being deliberate when others are being destructive.
This mindset doesn't just protect your integrity—it amplifies it. Because when you go high, you stand out. You become a beacon of hope in an often cynical world.
Why Going Low is Tempting
Let’s be honest: when someone insults you, misjudges you, or betrays you, your first instinct isn’t to “rise above.” It’s to retaliate. To match their energy. To get even.
Why?
Because going low feels good—for a moment. It feels like justice. Like you’re taking control. Like you’re winning.
But that win is always temporary. That satisfaction always fades. And worse, it often leads to regret. Going low doesn’t make you strong—it simply makes you reactive. It hands over your power to someone else's worst behavior.
As the old saying goes, “Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it.”
The world is full of people who will test your boundaries, question your worth, and provoke your peace. But your response? That’s your superpower.
What It Looks Like in Real Life
Going high doesn’t mean silence. It doesn’t mean avoidance. And it certainly doesn’t mean being fake. It means taking the higher perspective.
Here’s what it might look like:
- At work: When a colleague takes credit for your idea, you don’t throw them under the bus. Instead, you keep a clear record of your contributions and address it professionally. You let your work speak louder than the drama.
- In relationships: When someone says something hurtful, you don’t retaliate with insults. Instead, you communicate your boundaries with firmness and respect. You don’t match their tone—you lead with your own.
- On social media: When strangers attack you or spread misinformation, you don’t spiral into arguments. You respond (if at all) with facts, clarity, and kindness—or you walk away. You choose peace over being “right.”
Going high is not about pretending you’re above it all. It’s about acting like you remember who you are, even when others forget who they are.
The Ripple Effect of Choosing Higher Ground
One of the most underrated powers in life is emotional leadership. When you go high, you influence others—even if you don’t realize it. You shift the tone of the room. You set the bar for how people should be treated.
People notice.
They may not always say it. They may not even admit it. But your refusal to stoop low sends a message: This is what strength looks like. This is what maturity sounds like. This is how change is made.
Think about leaders you admire—not just in politics, but in your family, your community, your industry. Chances are, you don’t admire them because they were the loudest or the most aggressive. You admire them because they held the line. They led with character. They stayed grounded when others were losing control.
That’s what it means to go high—and it inspires others to rise with you.
Why It's Hard—And Why It's Worth It
Let’s not sugarcoat it: going high is hard. It requires patience when you’re under pressure. It demands humility when your ego wants to scream. It takes wisdom to pause when everything in you wants to react.
But here’s the truth: easy choices rarely lead to growth.
Growth lives on the high road. Strength is built when you choose the harder path—not because you have to, but because you can.
And over time, this becomes more than a strategy. It becomes your identity. You become the kind of person who doesn’t just talk about values—you embody them.
When You Feel Like Giving In
There will be days when going high feels impossible. When every nerve in your body wants to clap back. When you wonder if it’s even worth it.
In those moments, remember:
- You don’t lose by choosing integrity. You win in the long run.
- You don’t look weak by refusing to engage in toxic behavior. You look wise.
- You don’t need to control other people—you only need to control yourself.
Every time you go high, you reinforce who you are. Every time you resist going low, you reclaim your peace.
Final Thoughts: Legacy Over Ego
Michelle Obama didn’t just offer us a catchy line. She gave us a compass.
“When they go low, we go high” is a call to live not by emotion, but by principle. Not by impulse, but by intention. Not for the applause of the moment—but for the legacy we leave behind.
In a world obsessed with winning arguments, being right, and one-upping others, choose something greater:
Choose to lead. Choose to uplift. Choose to go high.
Because when you do, you don’t just rise above others—you rise into who you were always meant to be.
