After Quote by William Sanderson
“As a youngster, I had friends who became lawyers and doctors, and I was as idealistic as anybody. When I was in the Army, I read a book by Adlai Stevenson. He said law was as noble as saving a person's life. So at one point, I felt that way, too. But after a while, I said, 'Let me just finish the degree. I'm getting the G.I. Bill.'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: TV Talk Show, 1995
He reflects on youthful idealism about law as noble, later tempered by pragmatic concerns about education and benefits.
In simple terms: Early idealism about law, later practical focus on degree and benefits.
Key Takeaway
Balance idealism with practical realities.
Themes
career
idealism
pragmatism
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
career-oriented
When to use this quote
- career planning
- education decisions
- ethical considerations
Key Concepts
Law as noble
G.I. Bill
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain idealism in a pragmatic world?
- What compromises are acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Idealism may clash with systemic constraints.
![“I thought you'd be arguing [in the law school], and then I realized you have to read all these cases, and it's mostly writing, and then I just thought, "Well, I might as well stay and get the degree."” quote by Rich Fulcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/010/rich-fulcher-14676_arguing_i-thought-you-d-be-arguing-in-the-law-sc_3182660.jpg)
![“[you’ll acquire] A certain amount of cynicism. This business works on you. When you were in law school you had some noble idea what a lawyer should be. A champion of individual rights; a defender of the Constitution; a guardian of the oppressed; an advocate for your client’s principles. Then after…” quote by John Grisham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/06d/john-grisham-974_atorney_you-ll-acquire-a-certain-amount-of-cynic_298880.jpg)
