20 Quotes by Michael Kirby

The protection of our liberties does not ultimately depend on parliaments or even the courts. It depends on the love of the people for liberty.

It is often said that the best leaders are those who serve.

When in the evening we are alone with our most existential thoughts, it is then that we come face to face with the most precious truths that we discover in our brief existence in this world. Just before fatigue envelopes us, taking us into sleep. We think of what our lives actually mean. And then we know how lucky we are if we still enjoy consciousness, rationality and love. But the greatest of these is love.

I am sure that no one coming to this ceremony expected a High Court judge to use the occasion to talk about that four-letter word, love. But that's a good thing. In life, never be predictable. It's so uncool.

One of my responsibilities is to make sure that justice is done for our citizens . . . . I want this case to be completed. Until that happens, it will continue to burden our relationship.

I am the result of a loving upbringing in a peaceful country, with wonderful parents and siblings, a very long-term relationship, stability, support - but a feeling that life isn't always just and that there is injustice for people and we should do something about it.

So I want to identify, if I can, the most important thing that we discover in life. At least, it is the most important thing that I have discovered. I will share it with you, like a precious jewel, fit for this occasion. I refer to love. Love for one another. Love for our community. Love for others everywhere in the world. Love transcends even scholarship, cleverness and university degrees. It is greater than pride and wealth. It endures when worldly vanities fade...

Failure will not overcome me so long as my will to succeed is stronger

Failure will not overcome me so long as my will to succeed is stronger.