Notorious RBG
Irin Carmon, Shana Knizhnik
18 min
7 Key Points
5 RateWhat's inside?
Dive into the inspiring journey of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice, and discover her profound impact on gender equality and justice.
You'll learn
1. Who was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?2. What big legal battles did she win for women's rights?3. How did she see law and justice differently?4. How did she change the American legal system?5. What personal challenges did she overcome?6. What's her legacy and how does it inspire us today?Key points
01Don't waste your time getting mad, it's not worth it
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, or RBG as she's often called, was a woman of steel wrapped in a soft-spoken demeanor. She was a powerhouse in the world of law and justice, and her influence was particularly felt in the fight for women's rights. As the second woman to ever sit on the Supreme Court, she was a key player in many landmark cases that pushed for gender equality. She faced many hurdles, but she never let them knock her off her path. Her moral compass was rock solid, guiding her even in the toughest times. One of the guiding principles in her life was a nugget of wisdom from her mom - getting angry is a waste of time. This wasn't just about keeping your cool, but about realizing that anger can cloud your judgment and stop you from having productive conversations. Instead of getting mad, RBG chose to embrace the different opinions and personalities around her, and worked to find a middle ground, a compromise that would be a win-win for everyone. This wasn't just how she operated in the courtroom, but it was a reflection of who she was as a person. RBG was a kind and caring soul, who believed in fairness and justice. She was a woman of few words, always taking her time to think before she spoke. This, along with her deep understanding of the law, made her an extraordinary judge. In the book "Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg", authors Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik take us on a journey through RBG's life, from her early days to her time on the Supreme Court. They show us the principles that guided her, and how they shaped her into the woman she was. They paint a full picture of RBG, not just as a judge, but as a person, highlighting her dedication to justice and equality. In a nutshell, the idea of not wasting time on anger is about focusing on productive conversations and finding solutions, instead of getting caught up in negative emotions. It's about realizing that anger can lead to rash decisions, while calm and thoughtful discussions can lead to real change. This principle, along with her unwavering dedication to justice and equality, is what made Ruth Bader Ginsburg a truly extraordinary woman.
02Sometimes, you gotta turn a deaf ear to negativity to get through tough times
Once upon a time, a young Jewish girl named Ruth Bader Ginsburg, or RBG as we affectionately call her, was just another student at James Madison High School in Brooklyn. Who would've thought that this bookish girl, who loved tales of Greek and Norse gods and the adventures of Nancy Drew, would one day sit on the Supreme Court bench, a place usually reserved for men? RBG's mom, Celia Amster, was a tough cookie with a heart of gold. She taught RBG the value of hard work and never giving up. When Celia got sick, RBG worked her socks off to make her mom proud. She graduated with flying colors and got into Cornell University. But, sadly, her mom passed away just before her high school graduation. Instead of letting this tragedy pull her down, RBG used it as fuel to reach for the stars, just like her mom would've done if society had given her the chance. At Cornell, RBG fell in love with two things: Government and Marty Ginsburg. She took a class in Constitutional Law and found her calling. Marty, a fellow student, became her husband in 1954. They were a team, moving together to Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, RBG's mother-in-law gave her a piece of advice that would serve her well: sometimes, it's best to play deaf to the hurtful things people say. This was a lifesaver for RBG, who was one of the few women in law school. Women had to downplay their smarts, but RBG only did that for a bit. She was one of only two women to make the Law Review, a student group that published a legal journal. That was a big deal back then. But it wasn't all smooth sailing for RBG. She faced a lot of sexism. Once, she couldn't get a book from the library because women weren't allowed in that section. She was also barred from the Annual Law Review Banquet, a "boys only" event. And get this, there wasn't even a women's bathroom in the main exam building! But RBG didn't let any of this stop her. She kept her head down and worked hard, just like her mom taught her. She played deaf to the negativity and discrimination. And that's how she ended up on the Supreme Court bench, smashing glass ceilings and paving the way for future women in law.
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03Building a successful career? It's all about hard work and emotional grit
04For women to be equal, men need to break free from traditional roles
05In a good marriage, both partners should have each other's back
06Be open-minded, try to understand different viewpoints
07Conclusion
About Irin Carmon, Shana Knizhnik
Irin Carmon is a journalist and commentator specializing in gender, politics, and law. Shana Knizhnik is a lawyer and former clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals, known for creating the viral Tumblr, "Notorious R.B.G," dedicated to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
