William O. Douglas Quotes

A collection of quotes by William O. Douglas.

William O. Douglas was a prominent American jurist, environmentalist, and professor who served as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court. He was born on October 16, 1898, in Maine, Minnesota. Raised in a family with modest means, Douglas forged a path of remarkable intellectual achievements.

Douglas studied at Whitman College and then at Columbia Law School, where he graduated with distinction. He embarked on an illustrious career that blended academia and public service. After teaching at several universities, Douglas joined the faculty of Yale Law School, eventually becoming a revered professor.

In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Douglas as the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where he implemented groundbreaking changes to financial regulations, earning him national recognition. Due to his outstanding performance, President Roosevelt, in 1939, appointed Douglas to the United States Supreme Court as an associate justice.

On the Supreme Court, Douglas was known for his championing of civil rights and civil liberties. He staunchly defended First Amendment rights and was a staunch advocate for expanding individual freedoms. Douglas frequently favored the protection of the environment and was a firm supporter of environmental activism, earning him the moniker "The Conservationist Justice."

During his 36-year tenure on the Supreme Court, Douglas authored numerous influential and controversial opinions, leaving an indelible mark on American jurisprudence. He retired in 1975, making him the longest-serving justice in the history of the Court. William O. Douglas passed away on January 19, 1980, leaving behind an enduring legacy as a defender of civil liberties and environmental protection.

The use of violence as an instrument of persuasion is theref

The use of violence as an instrument of persuasion is therefore inviting and seems to the discontented to be the only effective protest.

William O. Douglas


The truth is that a vast restructuring of our society is nee

The truth is that a vast restructuring of our society is needed if remedies are to become available to the average person. Without that restructuring the good will that holds society together will be slowly dissipated. It is that sense of futility which permeates the present series of protests and dissents. Where there is a persistent sense of futility, there is violence; and that is where we are today.

William O. Douglas


The constitution is not neutral. It was designed to take the

The constitution is not neutral. It was designed to take the government off the backs of people.

William O. Douglas

Government

Ive often thought that if our zoning boards could be put in

Ive often thought that if our zoning boards could be put in charge of botanists, of zoologists and geologists, and people who know about the earth, we would have much more wisdom in such planning than we have when we leave it to the engineers.

William O. Douglas


The search for static security -- in the law and elsewhere -

The search for static security -- in the law and elsewhere -- is misguided. The fact is security can only be achieved through constant change, adapting old ideas that have outlived their usefulness to current facts.

William O. Douglas

Change

Tell the FBI that the kidnappers should pick out a judge tha

Tell the FBI that the kidnappers should pick out a judge that Nixon wants back.

William O. Douglas

History