When I was 15, I decided I wanted to be a lawyer. No one thought this was a good idea
Constance Baker MotleyRead
I rejected the notion that my race or sex would bar my success in life.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes personal determination to overcome societal barriers related to race and gender in the pursuit of success.
Constance Baker Motley's quote reflects her strong belief in individual agency and resilience against the discrimination faced due to one's race or gender. It inspires others to reject limiting beliefs and pursue their goals independently, showcasing that success is attainable regardless of external factors.
In practice
During a graduation speech to inspire students to overcome their challenges.
When I was 15, I decided I wanted to be a lawyer. No one thought this was a good idea
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.
If you want to be a singer, you've got to concentrate on it twenty-four hours a day. You can't be a well driller, too. You've got to concentrate on the business of entertaining and writing songs. Always think different from the next person. Don't ever do a song as you heard somebody else do it.
The defining factor [for success] is never resources; itβs resourcefulness.
The satisfaction to be derived from success in a great constructive enterprise is one of the most massive that life has to offer.
Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.
Nobody ever remembers who finished second at anything.
Yes, winning the gold medal was undoubtedly the biggest day of my career - mostly because I won the way I had prepared to run it. It was a totally satisfying experience.
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