She never envisioned a legal career for me, but she did think it was very important that I be able to support myself, and I think she would be pleased to see what has become of me.

This quote reflects the perspective of Ruth Bader Ginsburg on her mother's influence in shaping her life and career. Ginsburg suggests that her mother never expected her to pursue a legal career, but rather, she emphasized the importance of being able to support herself. The underlying message here is one of self-reliance and independence, values that were important to Ginsburg’s mother.

Although her mother didn't foresee Ginsburg entering the legal field, her focus on self-sufficiency clearly had a lasting impact. This quote highlights the significance of personal empowerment—how a mother’s guidance, while not necessarily focused on a specific career, can instill values that ultimately shape one's success.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s career as a groundbreaking Supreme Court Justice is a testament to her mother’s influence. Ginsburg believes her mother would be proud of her accomplishments, even though they might not have been exactly what she envisioned. It speaks to the idea that the support and encouragement from loved ones can take many forms, even if they don’t align with one’s eventual career path.