My mother was very strong about my doing well in school and living up to my potential.
-- Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Part One: Introduction)

Importance: Throughout her writings, Ginsburg cited her mother, Celia Bader, as one of her primary sources of inspiration. Though her mother had few opportunities as a wife and mother during the 1930s and 1940s, she always encouraged her daughter to be courageous, to work hard, and to be independent. Celia died when Ginsburg was a teenager, but her words and spirit stayed with Ginsburg throughout her life and career.

I attack ideas. I don't attack people.
-- Justice Antonin Scalia (Part One: Chapter 6)

Importance: One of Ginsburg's closest friends on the Supreme Court, Justice Antonin Scalia devoted himself to congenial relationships with his colleagues. Ginsburg quoted Scalia in many of her speeches and writings, but especially drew upon his wisdom when discussing the importance of collegiality on the Court. Scalia and Ginsburg's maintained a close friendship despite their consistently differing opinions.

We...
-- Marietta Stow (Part Two: Chapter 1)