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
Better to try all things and find all empty, than to try nothing and leave your life a blank.
This world would be a whole lot better if we just made an effort to be less horrible to one another. If we took just five minutes to recognize each other's beauty instead of attacking each other for our differences - that's not hard - it's really an easier and better way to live.
Unhappy is he to whom the memories of childhood bring only fear and sadness.
You know what I'm going to have on my gravestone? 'She did it the hard way.'
I don't like to give the sob story: growing up in a single-parent home, never knew my father, my mother never worked, and when friends came over I'd hide the welfare cheese. Yo, I failed ninth grade three times, but I don't think it was necessarily 'cause I'm stupid. I didn't go to school. I couldn't deal.
There are two tests in life, more important than any other test. On Monday morning, when you wake up, do you feel in the pit of your stomach you can't wait to go to work? And when you're ready to go home Friday afternoon, do you say, 'I can't wait to go home?'