I've always said that at the end of the day, on a legal issue, I think a wise old woman and a wise old man are going to reach the same conclusion.
Sandra Day O'ConnorRead
Yes, I will bring the understanding of a woman to the Court, but I doubt that alone will affect my decisions.
Interpretation
Understanding a woman's perspective is valuable, but it should not solely dictate one's decisions.
In this quote, Sandra Day O'Connor emphasizes the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives, particularly women's understanding, in decision-making processes. However, she acknowledges that while this understanding is important, it is not the only factor that influences her judgments, highlighting the need for a broader range of considerations in any decision-making context.
In practice
In a speech advocating for gender equality in leadership roles.
I've always said that at the end of the day, on a legal issue, I think a wise old woman and a wise old man are going to reach the same conclusion.
In order to cultivate a set of leaders with legitimacy in the eyes of the citizenry, it is necessary that the path to leadership be visibly open to talented and qualified individuals of every race and ethnicity.
In my work a good library is essential. It enables me to learn the background and previous discussions of the various issues I am called upon to decide. It provides the stability and continuity for the rule of law.
The really expert riders of horses let the horse know immediately who is in control, but then they guide the horse with loose reins and very seldom use the spurs. So it was with our chief [William Rehnquist]. He guided us with loose reins and used the spurs only rarely to get us up to speed with our work.
It is difficult to discern a serious threat to religious liberty from a room of silent, thoughtful schoolchildren.
It was better for me when I was joined at the court by a second woman. When I was there alone, there was too much media focus on the one woman, and the minute we got another woman, that changed.
And donβt worry about the bits you canβt understand. Sit back and allow the words to wash around you, like music.
Writing is total grunt work. A lot of people think it's all about sitting and waiting for the muse. I don't buy that. It's a job. There are days when I really want to write, days when I don't. Every day I sit down and write.
Just because you can measure everything doesn't mean that you should.
Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow.
Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.
Knowledge of the past and of the places of the earth is the ornament and food of the mind of man.
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