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.
I knew that my staying up would not change the election result if I were defeated, while if elected I had a hard day ahead of me. So I thought a night's rest was best in any event.
Take life easily, lovingly, playfully, non-seriously. Seriousness is a disease, the greatest disease of the soul and playfulness the greatest health.
What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.
And although she was sometimes dissatisfied with herself, she felt unable to go beyond her own limitations. Books were safer.
Being generous, just helping one's relatives and being blameless in one's actions; this is the best good luck.
Pride was the belt you used to hold your pants up when you had no pants.
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