Thurgood Marshall was an influential American civil rights activist who served as the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from October 1967 until October 1991. Being the first African American Justice, his words and views on justice, equality, and civil rights have left an indelible impact. Here are some of the most popular quotes by Thurgood Marshall that inspire, encourage, and remind us of the true essence of equality and justice for all:
Thurgood Marshall’s Quotes
- “In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.”
- “I have a lifetime appointment and I intend to serve it. I expect to die at 110, shot by a jealous husband.”
- “None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps.”
- “Our whole constitutional heritage rebels at the thought of giving government the power to control men’s minds.”
- “Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”
- “I wish I could say that racism and prejudice were only distant memories.”
- “The United States has been called the melting pot of the world.”
- “The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in time of crisis.”
- “I do what I think is right. It’s not for self-aggrandizement.”
- “The Constitution does not prohibit legislatures from enacting stupid laws.”
- “We cannot play ostrich. Democracy just cannot flourish amid fear.”
- “Sometimes history takes things into its own hands.”
- “This is a great country, but fortunately for you, it is not perfect.”
- “Mere access to the courthouse doors does not by itself assure a proper functioning of the adversary process.”
- “I’m on the Supreme Court. Why not me? I mean, there’s nothing in the Constitution that says the only justices can be judges.”
- “Nowhere is ‘equal justice under law’ more needed than in the field of criminal justice.”
- “Lawlessness is lawlessness. And anarchy is anarchy, no matter who is responsible.”
- “If the First Amendment means anything, it means that a state has no business telling a man, sitting alone in his own house, what books he may read or what films he may watch.”
- “People have got to understand: we are not fighting for integration, nor are we fighting for separation. We are fighting for recognition as human beings…”
- “Discrimination is discrimination no matter who the victim is.”
The quotes above reflect Marshall’s profound wisdom and keen perception of justice. He was a tireless advocate for individual rights and a powerful voice against discrimination. His words continue to inspire and guide those fighting for equality and justice in today’s society.