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Notorious RBG

summary ofNotorious RBGBook by Irin Carmon, Shana Knizhnik

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You’ll learn

  • Why anger was not an option for RBG
  • How RBG shattered societal and legal ceilings
  • The secret behind RBG's enduring partnerships
  • The impact of RBG's dissents on legal evolution

first KEY POINT

Getting angry is a waste of your time

Nation’s history is never straightforward, and it is most certainly always shaped by even more complex figures. Upon meeting Ruth Bader Ginsburg — RBG — either in her youth or later years, you wouldn’t have given her much thought. She was never one to stand out and always kept her distance; but this seemingly timid woman has made history more than a fair share of times. The second woman ever to be nominated as the Supreme Court Justice, she successfully argued in numerous women’s rights cases before the Supreme Court. One discriminatory case at a time, RBG laid the foundation for the more equal society we live in today. With so many injustices in the way, each step forward became a leap but those hardships never once discouraged her from doing what she wanted and what she thought was right; her moral principles were always a reliable guide.

Another thing that helped her throughout her journey was her mother’s advice — getting angry is never worth it. She always accepted the plurality of opinions and characters around her and worked toward a sound compromise.

Resentment, anger, and other negative emotions are never effective but are always a waste of time and energy.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg wasn’t simply an expert in her field — she was, first and foremost, a compassionate and kind human. Her distinguished personal traits were what made her such a fair and professional judge. She was reserved, always took her time, and her words were always carefully chosen.This summary, though short, will help you rediscover RBG by fleshing out a complete portrait of an outstanding person — both professionally and personality-wise. We’ll dive into her difficult journey towards a spot on the Supreme Court and all of the things that made this journey possible.

second KEY POINT

Tuning out the noise to triumph over difficulties

As a young Jewish girl from Brooklyn, Ruth Bader Ginsburg attended James Madison High School until 1950. Neither she nor her classmates could have predicted that little Ruth would grow up to become a Supreme Court Justice — that was a role typically reserved for boys.Ruth grew up reading books about Greek and Norse mythology and the stories about the fearless Nancy Drew. Her childhood was a happy one, thanks to her stern but loving mother, Celia Amster. When Celia got very sick, RBG went out of her way to please her — she worked and studied as hard as possible to make her mom proud. Her work paid off, Ruth graduated with honors and, subsequently, enrolled in Cornell University. She never attended James Madison High School’s graduation — her mother died only a few days prior. This tragedy, though, didn’t discourage RBG — it motivated her to become the successful and accomplished woman that her mother could have been if only society had allowed her.At Cornell University, RBG majored in Government and took an undergraduate class in Constitutional Law. This class is where her passion for law started.Another important thing happened at Cornell University — RBG met, and later in 1954, married a fellow student Marty Ginsburg who became her life-long partner and supporter. Together they moved on to Harvard Law School. At that time, RBG received another vital lesson, this time from her mother-in-law. Her advice to sometimes pretend to be a little hard of hearing and tune out the hurtful things people say helped RBG during her time at Cornell, Harvard, and, later, at Fort Sill base. Women in law programs were very few and in between, and if they were there, they were usually hiding their extraordinary intelligence. So did RBG, but only for a while. At Harvard, she was one of the only two women who had made the Law Review — a student-run organization that published a journal of legal scholarship. At the time, it was considered an honorable distinction.

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first KEY POINT

Success through grit and emotional fortitude

second KEY POINT

For women to be equal, men have to find the strength to be free

third KEY POINT

In a healthy marriage, support should go both ways

fourth KEY POINT

Be understanding of and open to opposing views and ideas

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Irin Carmon is a journalist and a face of young feminism. Shana Knizhnik is a lawyer and a creator of the Notorious R.B.G. blog.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg about?

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a biography that chronicles the life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, focusing on her significant contributions to gender equality and civil rights. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and professional milestones, the book highlights her trailblazing journey in a male-dominated field.

Is Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg worth reading?

Yes, Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is definitely worth reading, especially for those interested in social justice, law, and women's rights. It provides insightful perspectives on Ginsburg's legal philosophies and the impact of her work on contemporary society.

How many pages is Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and when was it published?

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg has 272 pages and was published on April 19, 2015. This publication date marks its entry into the literary landscape celebrating the life of a remarkable legal pioneer.

What are the key takeaways from Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

Key takeaways from Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg include Ginsburg's unwavering commitment to equality, her strategic approaches in the courtroom, and her pioneering role in advancing women's rights. The book also emphasizes her ability to balance her professional life with personal challenges.

Who is the author of Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

The authors of Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg are Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik. They are both legal experts and writers who capture the essence of Ginsburg's legacy through engaging storytelling.