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We have to look and ensure that we're paying attention to what we're doing, so that we don't reflexively institute processes and procedures that exclude people without thought.
Sonia Sotomayor
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Interpretation

What this quote means

We must be mindful of our actions to avoid unintentionally alienating others.

This quote emphasizes the importance of being intentional and considerate in our decision-making processes. Sonia Sotomayor urges us to be aware of how our actions and established procedures can inadvertently marginalize individuals. Reflecting on our practices and ensuring inclusivity should be a priority, as thoughtless actions can lead to exclusion without us realizing it.

Themes

MindfulnessInclusionAwarenessProcessDecision-Making

In practice

Example use cases

In a team meeting, when discussing new policies, I shared Sonia Sotomayor's quote to remind everyone to consider diverse perspectives.

More from Sonia Sotomayor

I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences.
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This wealth of experiences, personal and professional, have helped me appreciate the variety of perspectives that present themselves in every case that I hear.
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I was fifteen years old when I understood how it is that things break down: people can't imagine someone else's point of view.
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The truth is that since childhood I had cultivated an existential independence. It came from perceiving the adults around me as unreliable, and without it I felt I wouldn't have survived. I cared deeply for everyone in my family, but in the end I depended on myself.
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As you discover what strength you can draw from your community in this world from which it stands apart, look outward as well as inward. Build bridges instead of walls.
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There are uses to adversity, and they don't reveal themselves until tested. Whether it's serious illness, financial hardship, or the simple constraint of parents who speak limited English, difficulty can tap unexpected strengths.
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