“I tell law students, if you’re going to be a lawyer & just practice your profession, you have a skill — very much like a plumber. But if you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself, something that makes life…better for people less fortunate…” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Courage can take many forms, but Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) demonstrated that the fiercest bravery lies in unwavering persistence and intellectual rigor. As a Supreme Court Justice, legal pioneer, and cultural icon, RBG didn’t just interpret the law – she reshaped it to reflect a vision of equality, justice, and fairness for all. Her life is a testament to how quiet determination can create seismic change.

“When I’m sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the supreme court]? And I say ‘When there are nine.’ People are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

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Fighting for Equality in the Face of Adversity

Born in 1933 in Brooklyn, New York, Ruth Bader Ginsburg grew up in a time when opportunities for women were scarce, and expectations were low. Yet, she defied the odds at every turn. After graduating from Cornell University as the top of her class, she attended Harvard Law School, one of only nine women in a class of over 500 men.

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Despite her brilliance, Ginsburg faced relentless discrimination. She was denied job opportunities because of her gender, her motherhood, and even her religion. Instead of giving up, she turned those barriers into fuel for her mission: dismantling gender discrimination one case at a time.

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Trailblazer for Justice and Equality

RBG’s courage wasn’t loud; it was calculated, deliberate, and immensely effective. Her groundbreaking work transformed the American legal landscape:

• Strategic Legal Genius: In the 1970s, Ginsburg co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU and argued six landmark cases before the Supreme Court, winning five. She strategically chose cases that highlighted how gender discrimination hurt everyone—men and women alike. These victories laid the foundation for gender equality under the law.
• Champion of Dissent: As a Supreme Court Justice, Ginsburg’s dissents became legendary. Her fiery yet precise writings in cases like Shelby County v. Holder and Ledbetter v. Goodyear didn’t just criticize majority rulings—they became rallying cries for justice, inspiring legislative action and grassroots movements.
• Relentless Fighter: Despite battling cancer multiple times, Ginsburg never missed a day on the bench. Her physical resilience mirrored her unwavering dedication to her principles, inspiring millions to fight for what they believe in, no matter the odds.

“I think unconscious bias is one of the hardest things to get at. My favorite example is the symphony orchestra. When I was growing up, there were no women in orchestras. Auditioners thought they could tell the difference between a woman playing and a man. Some intelligent person devised a simple solution: Drop a curtain between the auditioners and the people trying out. And, lo and behold, women began to get jobs in symphony orchestras.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

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The Iconic “Notorious RBG”

In her later years, Ruth Bader Ginsburg transcended the legal world to become a cultural icon. Dubbed “Notorious RBG,” a playful nod to rapper Notorious B.I.G., she embraced her newfound fame with humility and humor. From memes to movies, her image as a tiny yet mighty force for justice captivated younger generations, proving that activism can be timeless.

Her workout routines, lace collars, and sharp wit made her relatable, but her legacy as a changemaker is what will endure. She taught us that courage isn’t just about bold gestures—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and standing your ground, day after day.

“Never underestimate the power of a girl with a book.” ― Ruth Bader Ginsberg

The Collars of RBG

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s collars, or jabots, became an iconic symbol of her identity and quiet rebellion. While the standard Supreme Court robe was designed with men in mind, RBG used her collars to make a powerful statement: women belong in the highest seats of justice. Each collar carried its own meaning – her spiked “dissent collar” signaled disagreement with the majority opinion, while others, adorned with lace or beads, conveyed celebration, neutrality, or solidarity. These collars were more than accessories; they were a visual language of empowerment, individuality, and defiance in a male-dominated institution, underscoring her belief that even tradition can evolve to reflect inclusivity.

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Lessons from Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life

1. Patience is Power: Ginsburg knew that systemic change doesn’t happen overnight. Her methodical approach to fighting injustice is a reminder that small, steady steps can lead to monumental progress.
2. Dissent is a Form of Hope: Her dissents weren’t defeats—they were blueprints for a better future. She believed that speaking up, even when outnumbered, could spark the change you wish to see.
3. Your Voice Matters, No Matter How Small: At barely 5 feet tall, RBG towered over injustice. She proved that courage isn’t about size or volume; it’s about conviction.

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A Legacy That Lives On

Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” Her life embodied this philosophy, leaving behind a legal framework that continues to protect the rights of millions. Her courage wasn’t just in the courtroom—it was in her relentless optimism, her refusal to accept defeat, and her belief that justice is worth fighting for.

My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent. – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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What Would Ruth Do?

When facing challenges in your own life, channel the spirit of RBG: Be persistent. Be precise. Be fearless in the pursuit of what’s right.

Let her story inspire you to take action, no matter how small. As RBG proved, every step forward matters in the fight for equality and justice.

“[I want to be remembered as] someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. And to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better through the use of whatever ability she has…” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

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Who is your personal “Notorious RBG”? Share their story in the comments and join the conversation about the women who inspire courage in us all. Together, let’s keep her legacy alive.