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WTR (What’s Toby Reading)? provides unsolicited and unsponsored (I don’t get paid) opinions of books I have recently finished.
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I was generally familiar with the work of Supreme Court icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I know that RBG was a trailblazer – a champion of equality and shining example of breaking the glass ceilings that dads like me hope won’t exist for our daughters.
I feel like that I know RBG a bit better now. My Own Words, was a perfect window for me to truly hear who Justice Ginsburg was, and the legacy she has left for all of us.
Published in 2016, prior to Ginsburg’s death in 2020, the book is a compilation of personal and professional stories about this titan of American law with a heavy sample of her speeches, thoughts, and legal opinions.
A few items will stick with me after closing the book.
Lesson 1: Marty Ginsburg – the ultimate husband/supporter
I can only aspire to have my wife speak of me in the way Ruth seems to adore her late husband, Marty. The Ginsburg’s marriage should be a how-to for successful marriages of busy, driven individuals.
The Ginsburg’s each worked hard as attorneys, raised children through busy careers, and always supported each other’s ambitions.
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I imagine that Ruth and Marty are somewhere in heaven now – reading, writing, and laughing at their forced retirements.
Lesson 2: Become visible and put on a good show.
While the headline above paraphrases the quote by Justice Sandra Day O’Conner, Ginsburg’s multiply mentions of its relevance in her life has it ringing in my memory bank.
The exact quote is:
“For both men and women the first step in getting power is to become visible to others, and then to put on an impressive show….”
-Sandra Day O’Connor
While the first mention of the line is in the context of gender equality, the book later connects the idea of becoming visible as a way to propel a career through all struggles for equal societal standing – for anyone.
RBG’s professional respect for her colleagues – no matter whom appointed them.
My Own Words continual heaps praise upon many of Bader Ginsburg’s colleagues – both on the Supreme Court and off.
Most notably, she writes of her relationship with Justice Anthony Scalia – an appointment from a Republican President and consistent opponent to many of RBG’s arguments – with friendly adoration. Ginsburg’s mention of Scalia’s famous, “get over it” phrase could be something, in fact, for all political affiliations to take to heart in today’s divisive political climate.
I often tell my children that history will tell the stories of the legends and losers. If you’re looking for a first-person documentary of an American legend, My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg should be on your virtual bookshelf.
