They're ugly, but those are the facts of life.
Harper LeeRead
Real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True courage is acting in the face of inevitable failure.
This quote by Harper Lee emphasizes that real courage is not the absence of fear or the certainty of success, but rather the decision to take action despite knowing the odds are stacked against you. It illustrates the virtue of perseverance and determination, suggesting that one should pursue their goals with resolve, even when the outcome seems predetermined.
Themes
CouragePerseveranceDeterminationActionBravery
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to inspire people to face challenges head-on.
More from Harper Lee
All quotes →It's better to be silent than to be a fool.
Harper LeeRead
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.
Harper LeeRead
With him, life was routine; without him, life was unbearable.
Harper LeeRead
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.
Harper LeeRead
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.
Harper LeeRead
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That is why our masters in Washington are so anxious to disarm us. They are not afraid of criminals. They are afraid of a populace which cannot be subdued by tyrants.
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