Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, was known for her advocacy of gender equality, civil rights, and judicial restraint. Throughout her life and career, she made many powerful and inspiring statements. Here are some of her most famous quotes:
1. On Gender Equality
- “I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.”
- “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”
- “The greatest thing is not to be afraid of people, but to be afraid of being wrong.”
2. On the Constitution and the Law
- “The role of a judge is to interpret the Constitution, not to make laws.”
- “We are not justices of the Supreme Court. We are justices of the Constitution.”
- “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”
3. On Reproductive Rights
- “The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman’s life, to her dignity. It’s a decision she must make for herself.”
- “The ability of women to participate equally in the economic and social life of the nation has been facilitated by access to contraception, and the court must take that into account when it considers the consequences of denying that access.”
4. On the Importance of Dissent
- “Dissents speak to a future age. It’s not simply to say, ‘My colleagues are wrong and I would do it this way.’ But the greatest dissents do become court opinions, and gradually over time their views become the dominant view.”
- “If you want to be a true friend of the Court, tell us when we are wrong.”
5. On Work and Determination
- “I think the most important thing is to be true to yourself and know what you’re doing.”
- “You can’t have it all, but you can have a good life if you make sure to enjoy the journey along the way.”
6. On Justice and Equality
- “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
- “The basic idea is that the government should not discriminate against people because of their gender. That was a big change, because discrimination based on sex was ingrained in law and society.”
7. On Collaboration and Compromise
- “I think that the way you get things done is to make your case to the other side, so they can understand why you think that your position is the right one.”
- “My mother told me two things constantly. One was to be a lady, and the other was to be independent.”
8. On Facing Challenges
- “I’ve often said I would have been a good tennis player. But there’s no way I could have been number one. I didn’t have the temperament for it, and I wouldn’t have had the patience.”
- “I’m not saying I’m always right, but I think I’m a good listener. I try to listen carefully to arguments made by both sides.”
9. On Legacy and Change
- “I would like people to think of me as someone who cared deeply about the things that matter, and that I did what I could to make a difference.”
- “My hope is that people will see me as a force for good.”
10. On Women in the Workforce
- “When I was starting out, I had no role models. But when I came to the bench, I knew it was important for young women to see me there. So, I tried to be an example of what was possible.”
These quotes highlight Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s enduring influence on law, justice, and society, especially in the areas of gender equality, human rights, and personal determination. Her legacy continues to inspire individuals fighting for justice and equality worldwide.