I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences.
Sonia SotomayorRead
Since I have difficulty defining merit and what merit alone means - and in any context, whether it's judicial or otherwise - I accept that different experiences in and of itself, bring merit to the system.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Merit is subjective and can vary based on individual experiences that contribute to understanding in various contexts.
In this quote, Sonia Sotomayor reflects on the complexity of defining merit, suggesting that it is not a singular, universally accepted standard. Instead, she asserts that diverse experiences enrich our understanding of merit in different contexts, such as the judicial system, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and varied perspectives in evaluating merit.
Themes
MeritExperienceDiversityJudicialPerspective
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about judicial reform, this quote can highlight the importance of considering diverse experiences.
More from Sonia Sotomayor
All quotes →This wealth of experiences, personal and professional, have helped me appreciate the variety of perspectives that present themselves in every case that I hear.
Sonia SotomayorRead
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.
Sonia SotomayorRead
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.
Sonia SotomayorRead
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