Arthur Goldberg

Date of Birth: August 8, 1908

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: January 19, 1990

Biography

Arthur Goldberg was an influential American judge, diplomat, and politician, known for his contributions to labor law and his tenure as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Goldberg pursued his education at DePaul University and later Northwestern University School of Law. He became a prominent labor attorney, representing various unions and playing a pivotal role in the merger of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). President John F. Kennedy appointed Goldberg as Secretary of Labor in 1961, where he worked on significant labor reforms. In 1962, Kennedy appointed him to the Supreme Court, where he made substantial contributions to civil liberties and labor rights. Goldberg later served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President Lyndon B. Johnson. His career was marked by a deep commitment to justice, human rights, and public service.

5 Interesting Facts about Arthur Goldberg

1. Arthur Goldberg was instrumental in the creation of the AFL-CIO, which unified two of the largest labor organizations in the United States.

2. During his tenure on the Supreme Court, Goldberg was a strong advocate for the right to privacy, which laid the groundwork for future landmark decisions.

3. He resigned from the Supreme Court to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a move encouraged by President Johnson to strengthen U.S. diplomatic efforts.

4. Goldberg played a crucial role in the negotiation of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963.

5. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter for his extensive contributions to the nation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arthur Goldberg

1. “Law not served by power is an illusion; but power not ruled by law is a menace which our nuclear age cannot afford.”

2. “The concept of ‘human dignity’ is the foundation of all human rights.”

3. “The most difficult task of all was to persuade people to think differently about the role of government and the rights of individuals.”

4. “Equal justice under law is not merely a caption on the facade of the Supreme Court building, it is perhaps the most inspiring ideal of our society.”

5. “A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Arthur Goldberg’s highest net worth was primarily derived from his government salary and pensions, as he did not accumulate significant personal wealth from his public service roles. His net worth is estimated to have been modest compared to contemporary standards, focusing more on his legacy and contributions than financial wealth.

Children

Arthur Goldberg had two children: a son named Robert M. Goldberg, who pursued a career in law and public service, and a daughter named Barbara Goldberg Cramer, who became an accomplished author and educator.