"عندما ينحدرون ننحد نبقى شامخين"

The idea behind the quote "When they go low, we go high" is about taking the moral and ethical high ground, even when faced with negativity or poor behavior from others. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining dignity, respect, and integrity, regardless of the circumstances.

This phrase gained widespread recognition when Michelle Obama used it in her speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. At that time, she was addressing a political climate rife with contentiousness and personal attacks. Her message was a call to remain steadfast in decency and to rise above pettiness and malice.

Let's bring this concept to life with an example from the workplace. Imagine you’re in a meeting where a colleague starts taking credit for your work. It’s infuriating, right? Your initial reaction might be to call them out right there, perhaps even cause a scene. But let’s think about what happens if you choose a different path. Instead of stooping to their level, you can calmly and professionally present your contributions. You might say, "I'd like to add that I worked on the project’s initial concept and development." This approach not only highlights your role but also demonstrates your professionalism to everyone in the room.

Now, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by recognizing situations where you feel provoked. It could be an argument, an unfair critique, or someone acting spitefully. Take a moment to breathe and assess your options. Ask yourself, "What’s the high road here?" Often, it’s about not engaging in the negativity, responding with kindness, or simply walking away with your head held high.

Here's a story to illustrate the point a bit more vividly. Picture this: You're at a family gathering, and a relative makes a snide comment about your career choices. It stings, especially because it’s in front of everyone. Now, you’ve got two options. You could fire back with a sharp retort and escalate the tension, or you could take a deep breath and respond with grace. You might say, "I appreciate your concern, but I’m really happy with the path I’ve chosen." By doing this, you not only defuse the situation but also show that you’re confident and unbothered by negativity.

So, there you have it. "When they go low, we go high" isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a guiding principle for navigating life's challenges with integrity and grace. It’s about choosing to be the bigger person, even when it’s tough. It’s about showing others—and yourself—that you won’t be dragged down by negativity. The next time you’re faced with a tough situation, think about how you can rise above. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. So, go ahead, take the high road. You’ll be glad you did.