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.
In the dim background of mind we know what we ought to be doing but somehow we cannot start.
I never intended to be a run-of-the-mill person.
For me, it always goes back to something I learned in basketball. There's winning and there's losing, and in life you have to know they both will happen. But what's never been acceptable to me is quitting.
It's like the first man to go to the moon, I will be the first man to run under two hours, this is crucial.
Why climb? That's a question that baffles me. It perplexes me. I really asked that a lot on Everest. I can't justify it. I can't say it's for a good cause. All I can say is look at the history of exploration: it's full of vainglorious pursuits.
THE GREATEST RISK IN LIFE IS TO WAIT FOR AND DEPEND UPON OTHERS FOR YOUR OWN SECURITY.
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