#Here are some of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s most memorable quotes

A trailblazer for gender equality, whose defense of the rights of women and minorities made her an inspiration to many, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg imparted several words of wisdom before her death Friday at the age of 87.

The fierce yet diminutive Brooklyn-born jurist was never afraid to speak her mind, whether on issues she held dear, such as feminism and justice, or about life and her views of society in general.

Here are some of memorable quotes that help to shape her legacy:

“My mother told me two things constantly. One was to be a lady, and the other was to be independent.” — as quoted by the ACLU.

“The greatest menace to freedom is an inert people; that public discussion is a political duty; and that this should be a fundamental principle of the American government.”— from her 2012 book “My Own Words.”

“So often in life, things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great, good fortune.” —  in a 2012 interview with MAKERS.

“Generally, change in our society is incremental, I think. Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” — in the 2015 book “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg”

“Women’s rights are an essential part of the overall human rights agenda, trained on the equal dignity and ability to live in freedom all people should enjoy.” — as quoted by the ACLU.

On how she wanted to be remembered:

“Someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. And to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better through the use of whatever ability she has.” — to MSNBC in 2015.