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You know you've still got it when people create possibly the coolest hashtag ever for you, even when you're in your 80s. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice, champion of women's rights, and supporter of marriage equality, was born on March 15, 1933. She is still kicking it something fierce these 83 years later, earning her ironclad reputation as a no nonsense, straight shooting woman of substance. It's also earned her the fabulous hashtag #NotoriousRBG and a loyal following of proud feminists around the world. To honor the Notorious RBG's birthday on Tuesday, it would only be appropriate to share some of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's most amazing quotes (consider it an education in general feminist badassery for the masses).
Born to a working-class Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York, Ginsburg credits her mother Celia for instilling in her a deep respect for education and independence. Celia was unable to obtain an education of her own, but made sure her children would have better opportunities, something Ginsburg never forgot.
Throughout her life as a lawyer, a justice, a wife, a mother and a woman, Ginsburg has remained staunch in her beliefs, even when it wasn't especially popular, doing so with her particular brand of moderation and restraint. Ginsburg proves that it isn't always the loudest voice in the room that gets heard. Sometimes, it's the strongest.
Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton in 1993, and in 1996, she wrote the Supreme Court's landmark decision in United States v. Virginia, saying the state-supported Virginia Military Institute could not refuse women looking to join its ranks.
One of Ginsburg's greatest qualities? Despite her tiny little 5 foot tall frame, she owns every room she enters. In honor of that fighting spirit, here are a few of her best quotes from over the years.
On Continuing The Fight
She is just so common sense, right? And considering there are still just three women sitting on the Supreme Court (and oh yeah, it's actually 2016), she is right to be frustrated.
On Supporting Same Sex Marriage
... You’re not taking away anything from heterosexual couples. They would have the very same incentive to marry, all the benefits that come with marriage that they do now.
RBG isn't just the first Supreme Court Justice to officiate at a same sex marriage. She is also pulling us out of the dark ages by negating fear-based protests and reminding people that their lives won't be better because they've taken someone else's right to happiness away.
On Being A "Lady"
Because being a lady doesn't mean "behaving" a certain way or not forgetting to cross your ankles and use a cloth napkin, does it? We all get to decide what being a lady means to us, because we are our own people. We are independent, and Justice Ginsburg gets that.
On The Importance Of Female Voices
Preach, sister. Ginsberg is fully aware of the ramifications of letting men control women's spaces, choices, and rights. Giving women the right to speak out on issues that directly affect them is vital.
On Fighting For ALL Women
RBG knows the importance of fighting for the rights of all women, not just the ones who can afford things or have more opportunity. If we continue to ignore the gender-based wage gap, women will continue to be poorer than men. And their decisions will be based on their poverty. Ginsburg gets it... hopefully her peers will too.
On Dissent
Ginsburg famously dissented in Bush v. Gore during the 2000 presidential election. While the court eventually ruled 5-4 against a recount of votes (citing time allowance) and effectively handing the Presidency to George W. Bush, Ginsburg dissented, standing up against not only other members of the Supreme Court but the future President of the United States... now that's badass.
