Wisdom from To Kill a Mockingbird {Harper Lee}

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I want to be Atticus Finch. His wisdom and grace when it comes to people is what makes him so appealing! I never read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee during high school. Being an "army brat" and moving three times during my high school career ensured that there were some holes in the literature I was exposed to. However, I am glad that I read it later in life! As an adult you can have a deeper understanding of what is going on that maybe a teen couldn't get. I am so excited that this summer the lost novel of Harper Lee, Go Set a Watchman, will be available.  It is set some twenty years after the events of To Kill a Mockingbird. I can't wait to read it!

So here's a quick look at some of the great lines in the book. There is such wisdom in what Lee writes! If you have never read To Kill a Mockingbird, I encourage you to do so!

{Photo courtesy of Maria Corcacas}

Real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.

It takes courage to go up against all odds. Participating in a losing battle is not for the weak of heart.

Before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.

There have been many times in life when people have disagreed with my decisions and felt the need to tell me so {sometimes over and over}. But I have to live with myself. I have tried to make the healthiest decisions I know how, and I have to also live with the consequences {good or bad}. Sometimes our personal decisions should not be up for debate by others, and if they are we need to gracefully listen to them, disregard the ideas, and walk away.

I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks.

So many times I have to remind myself of this concept. When people frustrate me or do something hurtful it is helpful to remember that they are people who are struggling to. We have a lot more in common with those we don't get along with than we think.

People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.

A few years back, I saw this phenomenon happen. Someone got the idea that a certain event had gone down with evil intent. It couldn't have been farther from the truth. People get an idea about a certain event or maybe another person, and it is hard to change their opinion on it. Their opinion is based on what they were looking for and not necessarily the truth. If you are looking for the negative you will find it. If you are looking for the positive, it's there.

You just hold your head high and keep your fists down.

Many times the fight {especially against others} just isn't worth it. Stay above the turmoil and walk away.

It's not necessary to tell all you know.

My husband taught me this years ago. I tend to want to explain myself all the time. It is not necessary to give an explanation to everyone. You have made a decision. No justifying it to others is necessary. Likewise, your tidbits of information about others' lives don't need to be broadcast. Keep some of your information close.

If you are interested in reading more wisdom from literature check out this post.