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When I talk to kids, I often tell them, "I'm going to…

“When I talk to kids, I often tell them, "I'm going to disappoint you someday. I won't be worth my salt as a judge if I don't render at least one decision that makes you unhappy. Because if I'm following the law - and I don't write them - there has to be some decision you won't like. Please don't…” quote by Sonia Sotomayor
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“When I talk to kids, I often tell them, "I'm going to disappoint you someday. I won't be worth my salt as a judge if I don't render at least one decision that makes you unhappy. Because if I'm following the law - and I don't write them - there has to be some decision you won't like. Please don't judge any person by one act. Take from them the good and don't concentrate on the little things that make you unhappy." That's my approach to family and friends, too.”

Sonia Sotomayor

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Judge stresses judging people by overall character, not isolated actions, urging compassion and balanced evaluation.

In simple terms: Judge people by whole character, not single deeds.

Key Takeaway

Seek the good, ignore minor faults.

Themes

judgment compassion character assessment

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Family discussions
  • courtroom decisions
  • friendship evaluations
  • teaching moments

Key Concepts

Ethics human dignity bias awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you practice holistic judgment?
  • What small actions can you overlook to see the bigger picture?
A Different Perspective

People may misinterpret isolated actions as defining; context matters.

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