[A]although wisdom is built on life experience, the mere accumulation of years guarantees nothing.

— Sonia Sotomayor

All the legal defense funds out there, they're looking for people out there with court of appeals experience, because court of appeals is where policy is made. And I know, I know this is on tape and I should never say that because we don't make law, I know. I know.

— Sonia Sotomayor

As difficult an environment as the DA's Office could be, I saw no overarching conspiracy against women. The unequal treatment was usually more a matter of old habits dying hard.

— Sonia Sotomayor

... a surplus of effort could overcome a deficit of confidence. Page 115

— Sonia Sotomayor

As you discover what strength you can draw from your community in this world from which it stands apart, look outward as well as inward. Build bridges instead of walls.

— Sonia Sotomayor

Being a justice. If you love law the way I do... you're given the job of a lifetime... you're permitted to address the most important legal questions of the country, and sometimes the world. And in doing so, you make a difference in people's lives.

— Sonia Sotomayor

Dressing badly has been a refuge much of my life, a way of compelling others to engage with my mind, not my physical presence. Page. 283

— Sonia Sotomayor

I accepted what the Sisters taught in religion class: that God is loving, merciful, charitable, forgiving. That message didn't jibe with adults smacking kids.

— Sonia Sotomayor

I am a New Yorker, and 7:00 A.M. is a civilized hour to finish the day, not to start it.

— Sonia Sotomayor

I couldn’t even tell if I had any sadness of my own, because I was so full of Angelita’s sadness.

— Sonia Sotomayor