They're ugly, but those are the facts of life.
Harper LeeRead
I'm no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system - that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes a grounded belief in the justice system, perceiving it not as an ideal but as a functional reality.
Harper Lee expresses a pragmatic faith in the justice system and the jury process, suggesting that these institutions operate effectively and are integral to societal order. Rather than viewing them as lofty ideals, she regards them as essential components of everyday life that uphold integrity and justice.
In practice
During a legal seminar discussing the importance of the jury system.
They're ugly, but those are the facts of life.
It's better to be silent than to be a fool.
Don’t talk like that, Dill,” said Aunt Alexandra. “It’s not becoming to a child. It’s – cynical.” “I ain’t cynical, Miss Alexandra. Tellin’ the truth’s not cynical, is it?” “The way you tell it, it is.
With him, life was routine; without him, life was unbearable.
He turned out the light and went into Jem's room. He would be there all night, and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning.
You can choose your friends but you sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don't.
You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.
In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.
Send me out into another life lord because this one is growing faint I do not think it goes all the way
There is no space in which worship should not take place, no time when it should not occur, and no activity through which it should not happen.
All the characters in my films are fighting these problems, needing freedom, trying to find a way to cut themselves loose, but failing to rid themselves of conscience, a sense of sin, the whole bag of tricks.
If a star or studio chief or any other great movie personages find themselves sitting among a lot of nobodies, they get frightened - as if somebody was trying to demote them.
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