The pundrity is aghast: It's plagiarism, but . . .

. . . can you steal a cliché?

Melania Trump, National Convention, 2016:

     “From a young age, my parents impressed on me the values that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise; that you treat people with respect. They taught and showed me values and morals in their daily life.

     “That is a lesson that I continue to pass along to our son, and we need to pass those lessons on to the many generations to follow," she said. "Because we want our children in this nation to know that the only limit to your achievements is the strength of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.”

*Bartlett's Familiar Quotations

Michelle Obama, Democratic National Convention, 2004:

     “Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values, that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don't know them, and even if you don't agree with them.

     “Barack and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generation. Because we want our children — and all children in this nation — to know that the only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them."

My mother when she dropped me off at prep school, 1961:

     “Here’s what you need to know, what the Nashes believe. Work hard. Your word is your bond, so when you make promises keep them. Treat your teachers and your fellow students with respect even when you disagree with them. Dream big. Work hard. You’ll get where you want to go, whether you know where that is yet or not.

     I know: I’m not the first to say this and I won’t be the last.”