I rejected the notion that my race or sex would bar my success in life.
Constance Baker MotleyRead
When I was 15, I decided I wanted to be a lawyer. No one thought this was a good idea
Interpretation
This quote reflects the determination to pursue one's dreams despite skepticism from others.
Constance Baker Motley's quote highlights the resilience required to chase personal aspirations, specifically her decision to become a lawyer at a young age, which was met with doubt from those around her. It suggests that following one's own path can be challenging, particularly when it contradicts societal expectations or the opinions of others.
In practice
In a graduation speech to inspire young students.
I rejected the notion that my race or sex would bar my success in life.
I never thought I would live long enough to see the legal profession change to the extent it has.
In my view, I did not get to the federal bench because I was a woman
Had it not been for James Meredith, who was willing to risk his life, the University of Mississippi would still be all white.
There's only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything.
No matter how carefully you plan your goals they will never be more than pipe dreams unless you pursue them with gusto.
Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. I am talking about a gung-ho attitude that says 'we can change things here, we can achieve awesome goals, we can be the best. 'Spare me the grim litany of the 'realist;' give me the unrealistic aspirations of the optimist any day.
If people don't have a job, they're not too interested in how you intend for them to have a job. They want to see results.
I've led a life of such structured discipline and always had a goal in mind of knowing what I was doing, from West Point to the Air Force combat, MIT, looking for new things to study and get involved in. And then I got into the space program, and how disciplined can you get?
When you make up your mind to do good things, you will accomplish them if you use dynamic will power to follow through. No matter what the circumstances are, if you go on trying, God will create the means by which your will shall find its proper reward.
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