At the constitutional level where we work, 90 percent of any decision is emotional. The rational part of us supplies the reasons for supporting our predilections.
Meaning of the quote
When we make important decisions, our emotions play a big role, even though we may not realize it. Our emotions and feelings often guide us, and we come up with logical reasons to support the decisions we've already made based on our emotions. This means that our rational, logical thinking is used to justify the choices we've already made, rather than driving the decision-making process itself.
About William O. Douglas
William O. Douglas was a renowned American jurist who served as a Supreme Court Justice for 36 years, making him the longest-serving justice in history. He was known for his strong progressive and civil libertarian views and is often considered the Court’s most liberal justice ever.
More quotes from William O. Douglas
One who comes to the Court must come to adore, not to protest. That’s the new gloss on the 1st Amendment.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
Since when have we Americans been expected to bow submissively to authority and speak with awe and reverence to those who represent us?
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
The right to revolt has sources deep in our history.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
Free speech is not to be regulated like diseased cattle and impure butter. The audience that hissed yesterday may applaud today, even for the same performance.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
No patent medicine was ever put to wider and more varied use than the Fourteenth Amendment.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
The Constitution is not neutral. It was designed to take the government off the backs of people.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
The 5th Amendment is an old friend and a good friend. one of the great landmarks in men’s struggle to be free of tyranny, to be decent and civilized.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
Common sense often makes good law.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
The right to be let alone is indeed the beginning of all freedoms.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
Marriage is a coming together for better or for worse, hopefully enduring, and intimate to the degree of being sacred.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
We do not sit as a superlegislature to weigh the wisdom of legislation.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
The liberties of none are safe unless the liberties of all are protected.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
The critical point is that the Constitution places the right of silence beyond the reach of government.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
It seemed to me that I had barely reached the Court when people were trying to get me off.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
At the constitutional level where we work, 90 percent of any decision is emotional. The rational part of us supplies the reasons for supporting our predilections.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
Literature should not be suppressed merely because it offends the moral code of the censor.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
We who have the final word can speak softly or angrily. We can seek to challenge and annoy, as we need not stay docile and quiet.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
Tell the FBI that the kidnappers should pick out a judge that Nixon wants back.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975
The association promotes a way of life, not causes; a harmony in living, not political faiths; a bilateral loyalty, not commercial or social projects. Yet it is an association for as noble a purpose as any involved in any prior decisions.
US Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975