They're ugly, but those are the facts of life.
There are some men in this world who are born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father's one of them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the idea that some individuals take on burdens or difficult tasks for the benefit of others.
Harper Lee's quote reflects the reality that in life, there are certain individuals who willingly take on difficult or unpleasant responsibilities that others might shy away from. It suggests a sense of gratitude and recognition for those who support us by dealing with the less desirable aspects of life, often without seeking acknowledgment or reward in return, exemplifying selflessness and duty.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about teamwork, you might say, 'As Harper Lee said, there are some men who take on unpleasant jobs for us, and we should honor their contributions.'
More from Harper Lee
All quotes →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.
Similar quotes
Life is not so idiotically mathematical that only the big eat the small; it is just as common for a bee to kill a lion or at least to drive it mad.
A ruined man fell from her hands like a ripe fruit, to lie rotting on the ground.
In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
Oh, somewhere in this favoured land the sun is shining bright; The band is playing somewhere; and somewhere hearts are light; And somewhere men are laughing; and little children shout; But there is no joy in Mudville- great Casey has struck out.
Whatever's there to feel, feel it—the riddance, the relief, the fright and freedom, the fear of forgetting, the dull ache of your own mortality. Get with someone you can trust with tears, with anger, and wonderment and utter silence.
Football is a grand game for developing a lad physically and also morally, for he learns to play with good temper and unselfishness, to play in his place, and to play the game, and these are the best of training for any game of life.