If you're going to change things, you have to be with the people who hold the levers.

This quote by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice and a pioneering advocate for gender equality, reflects her strategic understanding of how real change is made within systems of power. When she says, “you have to be with the people who hold the levers,” she is referring to those who have the ability to influence, enact, or block significant societal transformations—such as lawmakers, judges, and policymakers. Ginsburg believed that justice and reform are most effectively achieved by engaging directly with institutions, not simply by opposing them from the outside.

The phrase “levers” metaphorically represents the mechanisms of power—the tools or positions that allow individuals or groups to steer the direction of society. Ginsburg’s legal strategy throughout her career was shaped by this insight: she chose to work within the legal system to challenge discriminatory laws and promote equality. Her methodical, case-by-case approach was designed not to dismantle institutions, but to use them to advance civil rights.

The origin of this quote comes from Ginsburg’s many public remarks and writings in which she discussed her experiences as both a litigator and a jurist. As co-founder of the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU, and later as a Supreme Court Justice, she consistently sought to build coalitions, use reasoned arguments, and appeal to the constitutional principles that underpin American law. Her legacy is a testament to how working within established systems can still lead to radical progress.

Ultimately, Ginsburg’s quote is a reminder that effective advocacy requires not just passion, but also strategy. To truly change things, one must understand and sometimes participate in the structures of power, working alongside or influencing those who have the authority to make decisions. It’s a call to be engaged, pragmatic, and persistent in the pursuit of justice.