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
Similar quotes
A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well.
Thomas S. MonsonRead
Honestly this is not going to change unless the people who want to prevent these kinds of mass shootings from taking place feel at least as passionate, at least as mobilized and well-funded as the NRA and the gun manufacturers are because the politics in Congress are such where even members of Congress who know better are fearful if they vote their conscience and support common sense measures like background checks, they're worried they're going to lose.
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Something must be left to chance; nothing is certain in a sea fight
Horatio NelsonRead
When fear rushed in, I learned how to hear my heart racing but refused to allow my feelings to sway me. That resilience came from my family. It flowed through our bloodline.
Coretta Scott KingRead
Coraline shivered. She preferred her other mother to have a location: if she were nowhere, then she could be anywhere. And, after all, it is always easier to be afraid of something you cannot see.
Neil GaimanRead
I'm told I'm a statistic. I'm told that my young black sisters are disease-ridden... but we are greater than what society tells us we are.
Jurnee Smollett-BellRead