Ruth Bader Ginsburg, famously known as the “Notorious RBG,” served as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1993 after being appointed by President Bill Clinton. As only the second woman ever to hold that position, she broke countless barriers in the legal world.
Born in 1933 in Brooklyn, New York, Ginsburg graduated top of her class from Columbia Law School after transferring from Harvard, where she was one of just nine women in a sea of 500 men. Despite her exceptional academic credentials, she faced relentless gender-based discrimination in her early legal career.
Unshaken, she became a professor, a fierce legal strategist for gender equality, and co-founder of the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project.
From trailblazing court battles to becoming a cultural icon, Ginsburg’s words continue to inspire generations. Below are some of her most powerful and thought-provoking quotes on justice, equality, and resilience.
Fun fact: Ginsburg did more push-ups daily in her 80s than most people do in their 20s—her personal trainer even wrote a book about her workouts!
Table of Contents
RBG On Equality & Justice
Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.
— RBG, Supreme Court swearing-in, 2015
Analysis: This quote sums up RBG’s approach to activism: steadfast, persuasive, and inclusive.
Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.
— RBG, speeches/interviews
Analysis: RBG reminds us that progress is gradual, but persistent action leads to real results.
RBG On Women’s Rights & Gender Equality
Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.
— RBG, New York Times, 2009
Analysis: A rallying cry for gender parity in leadership, this quote is often cited by women’s advocates worldwide.
I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.
— RBG, quoting Sarah Grimké in oral arguments, 1973
Analysis: By invoking past activists, RBG connects her legal fights to a broader historical movement.
RBG On Perseverance & Resilience
So often in life, things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great, good fortune.
— RBG, NPR, 2014
Analysis: RBG’s career proves that setbacks can lead to unforeseen triumphs.
Reacting in anger or annoyance will not advance one’s ability to persuade.
— RBG, legal lectures
Analysis: Patience, reason, and civility were cornerstones of her persuasive style.
RBG On Life, Law, & Leadership
You can’t have it all, all at once.
— RBG, Stanford Law School, 2015
Analysis: RBG’s take on work-life balance is both realistic and reassuring.
When I’m sometimes asked ‘When will there be enough women on the Supreme Court?’ and I say ‘When there are nine,’ people are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.
— RBG, various interviews
Analysis: A thought-provoking reminder of unconscious biases.
RBG’s Enduring Legacy
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s words continue to light the path for those fighting for justice and equality. Whether you’re advocating for social change or seeking personal inspiration, her wisdom endures. May these quotes serve as daily reminders to stand up, speak out, and create lasting impact.
