Quote Origin: “I will do this job as long as I feel that…

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

> “I will do this job as long as I feel that I can do it full steam.”

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg became a cultural icon late in her life. However, she remained a dedicated jurist above all else. She valued her work on the Supreme Court intensely. This quote encapsulates her fierce dedication to the law. It reflects a promise she made to herself and the American public. She refused to let age or illness dictate her schedule. Instead, she set her own high standard for performance.

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Many Americans looked to her for strength during turbulent times. Consequently, her words carried significant weight. She did not merely hold a seat on the bench. She actively shaped the future of the country. This specific declaration of “full steam” became a rallying cry for resilience. It defined her final years on the Court. Furthermore, it silenced critics who constantly speculated about her retirement. Her commitment remained unwavering until the very end.

Justice Ginsburg used variations of this phrase multiple times during her final years. Source Specifically, the most cited instance occurred in December 2018. She spoke these words during an interview with NPR’s Nina Totenberg. The interview took place following a screening of the biopic *On the Basis of Sex*. At the time, Ginsburg was 85 years old. She addressed rumors about her health directly. .

She wanted to clarify her intentions. She had no plans to step down while she remained capable. Therefore, she chose the metaphor of a steam engine. It implies power, momentum, and forward motion. She did not want to simply coast or occupy space. Rather, she intended to drive the Court’s work with energy. This specific phrasing resonated deeply with her supporters.

Additionally, she repeated similar sentiments at other events. For example, she used the phrase during a talk at the Sundance Film Festival. She consistently communicated this message to the press. It became her standard answer regarding retirement questions. Thus, the quote is not just a one-time remark. It represents a consistent mantra she lived by daily.

To understand the weight of this quote, we must look at the context. Justice Ginsburg faced numerous health challenges throughout her tenure. She battled colon cancer in 1999 and pancreatic cancer in 2009. Later, she underwent heart surgery and treatment for lung cancer. Yet, she rarely missed oral arguments. Her resilience became legendary among court watchers.

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During the late 2010s, political pressure mounted. Many liberals hoped she would retire under a Democratic president. They feared her seat would fall to a conservative appointee. However, Ginsburg resisted this political calculus. She believed the judicial role stood apart from politics. Consequently, she focused on her own capacity to serve. She trusted her own judgment above outside opinions.

Moreover, the Supreme Court faced increasing polarization. Ginsburg served as the leader of the liberal wing. Her voice became essential for dissenting opinions. She knew her departure would shift the Court’s balance. Therefore, staying “full steam” was a strategic necessity. She felt a profound duty to the Constitution. This duty outweighed personal comfort or political strategy.

What did Ginsburg mean by “full steam”? She referred primarily to mental acuity. The work of a Supreme Court Justice is intellectually grueling. It requires reading thousands of pages and writing complex opinions. Ginsburg prided herself on her precise legal writing. She would not accept a decline in her mental sharpness. If she could not analyze cases at a high level, she would stop.

Furthermore, the phrase implies physical stamina. Despite her frail appearance, she famously worked out with a trainer. She performed planks and push-ups well into her eighties. She understood that physical strength supported mental endurance. Thus, “full steam” encompassed her entire being. It was a holistic approach to her job.

Additionally, the metaphor suggests speed and efficiency. A steam engine at full power moves quickly. Ginsburg was known for her speed in producing opinions. She often finished her writing assignments early. She did not want to slow down the Court’s processes. Therefore, the quote reflects her respect for the institution itself. She would not let her presence become a hindrance.

Like many famous figures, people often misquote Ginsburg. Variations of this sentiment appear online frequently. Sometimes, people shorten it to “I will do this job as long as I can.” Others change “full steam” to “full speed.” However, the “steam” metaphor is crucial. It evokes an industrial, unstoppable force. It fits her tireless work ethic perfectly.

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She also used other phrases to describe her tenure. For instance, she often said she would take it “year by year.” On other occasions, she referenced her former colleague, Justice Louis Brandeis. She admired how he served until he could no longer perform at his best. She viewed his tenure as a model for her own.

Nevertheless, the “full steam” quote remains the most iconic. It captures her spirit most effectively. It sounds active rather than passive. It suggests a choice she made every morning. She chose to work with intensity. Consequently, history remembers this specific phrasing above the others.

Ginsburg’s words resonated far beyond the legal world. In particular, women in the workforce found inspiration in her declaration. Society often discounts older women. People frequently assume they should retire or step back. Ginsburg defied these ageist expectations. She asserted her relevance and power confidently.

Moreover, she validated the ambition of older workers. She showed that experience brings value. Her refusal to quit empowered others to stay in their careers. She proved that passion does not fade with age. Indeed, she seemed to gain momentum as she grew older. This challenged societal norms about aging and retirement.

Additionally, her statement highlighted the importance of purpose. Work gave her life meaning, especially after her husband passed away. She often said the law saved her during difficult times. Therefore, the quote is also about survival. It speaks to the healing power of dedication. Many people found comfort in this perspective.

Today, the quote serves as a motivational mantra. We see it on coffee mugs, t-shirts, and posters. It reminds us to commit fully to our endeavors. If we cannot do something “full steam,” perhaps we should rethink it. It encourages a standard of excellence. Ginsburg taught us to value quality over longevity alone.

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Furthermore, the quote took on a poignant meaning after her death in 2020. She kept her promise. She worked until days before she passed away. She dictated dissents from her hospital bed. She truly went “full steam” until the engine stopped. Thus, the quote is now a fulfilled prophecy. It is a testament to her integrity.

Finally, her words challenge us to examine our own commitments. Are we doing our jobs full steam? Do we bring our best effort to our daily tasks? Ginsburg set a high bar. However, she also showed us what is possible. Her legacy lives on through this uncompromising standard. We honor her memory by working with the same intensity.

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