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Arthur Goldberg Quotes

Powerful Arthur Goldberg for Daily Growth

About Arthur Goldberg

Arthur J. Goldberg (1908-1990) was an influential American jurist, labor leader, and politician who made significant contributions to law, politics, and civil rights. Born in New York City on October 8, 1908, Goldberg grew up in a working-class Jewish family. His father, Jacob Goldberg, was a garment worker, and his mother, Annie (Bernstein) Goldberg, was a homemaker. Goldberg attended the City College of New York on scholarship, graduating summa cum laude in 1930 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He then went on to Columbia Law School, where he graduated first in his class in 1933. During this time, he became actively involved in the labor movement, working as a union organizer for the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU). In 1940, Goldberg was appointed as general counsel to the ILGWU and played a key role in negotiating collective bargaining agreements. His dedication to labor rights led to his election as president of the ILGWU in 1950, a position he held until 1960 when President John F. Kennedy appointed him Secretary of Labor. Goldberg made history again in 1962 when President Kennedy nominated him to serve as an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Goldberg served on the court for only nine months before being appointed Ambassador to the United Nations by President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1965, he was appointed by Johnson as Secretary of Labor a second time. Goldberg's major works include numerous articles and speeches on labor law, civil rights, and foreign policy. His most notable work is "The Essence of Judicial Decision," which was published in the Columbia Law Review in 1940. This piece laid the groundwork for his philosophy of jurisprudence, which emphasized the importance of social justice and the role of judges as social engineers. Goldberg passed away on January 19, 1990, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated public servant who fought tirelessly for workers' rights, civil rights, and social justice. His contributions to law and politics continue to influence legal scholars and policymakers today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The basic purpose of laws is to protect the weak, not the strong."

The quote emphasizes that the primary role of laws in society is to ensure justice and fairness, specifically for those who are vulnerable or less powerful. It suggests a legal system should prioritize protecting the rights and well-being of the weaker segments of society over those who hold more power or influence. This perspective encourages empathy, equity, and social balance, emphasizing that everyone deserves protection under the law regardless of their position in society.

"Equality means equal opportunity, not equal results or outcomes."

This quote by Arthur Goldberg emphasizes that equality should ensure every individual has an equal chance to succeed, not that everyone will achieve the same result or outcome. It acknowledges the inherent diversity in human abilities, aspirations, and circumstances, and upholds the principle of fairness in opportunities provided, rather than striving for rigid uniformity in outcomes.

"Laws are made to be broken - if they are unjust or outmoded."

Arthur Goldberg's quote suggests that while laws are essential for maintaining order and ensuring justice, they are not infallible. If a law is perceived as unjust or outdated, it can lose its legitimacy and should be challenged or broken. This perspective implies the importance of periodic review and modification of laws to align with societal progress and evolving values. However, breaking the law must always be done responsibly, understanding the potential consequences, and preferably through peaceful means of change such as advocacy or legislation.

"It is not the function of our government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error."

This quote emphasizes that the role of citizens in a democratic society is crucial for maintaining a well-functioning government. It suggests that while the government has a responsibility to uphold truth, justice, and the rule of law, it's ultimately the citizens who ensure the government stays on the right path by keeping it accountable, informed, and engaged. This empowerment of citizens is essential for preserving democratic principles and preventing errors or misguided actions from the governing body.

"The greatest contribution we can make to peace is to create conditions in which justice can be obtained through law and order."

This quote emphasizes that a strong foundation of justice, enforced through law and order, is critical for promoting and maintaining peace. By ensuring fairness, accountability, and equality under the law, we create an environment where conflicts are resolved without resorting to violence or chaos. Establishing such conditions allows people to trust the system, reducing the likelihood of conflict in the first place and encouraging harmony among diverse groups. Thus, justice through law and order plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable peace.

Law not served by power is an illusion; but power not ruled by law is a menace which our nuclear age cannot afford.

- Arthur Goldberg

Law, Afford, Which, Menace

The concept of neutrality can lead to a brooding and pervasive devotion to the secular and a passive, or even active, hostility to the religious. Such results are not only not compelled by the Constitution, but, it seems to me, are prohibited by it.

- Arthur Goldberg

Concept, Religious, Brooding, Passive

The basic guarantees of our Constitution are warrants for the here and now, and unless there is an overwhelmingly compelling reason, they are to be promptly fulfilled.

- Arthur Goldberg

Reason, Constitution, Here, Promptly

Modern diplomats approach every problem with an open mouth.

- Arthur Goldberg

Problem, Mouth, Modern, Diplomats

If Columbus had an advisory committee he would probably still be at the dock.

- Arthur Goldberg

Committee, Still, Would, Advisory

The trick is to be there when it's settled.

- Arthur Goldberg

Settled, Trick

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