7 Notable Quotes From 'To Kill A Mockingbird' Author Harper Lee

By Ligonberry Fields, BuzzVine Contributor Tuesday, February 23, 2016

U.S. President George W. Bush (R) before awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to American novelist Harper Lee (L) in the East Room of the White House, in this November 5, 2007, file photo. Lee, who wrote one of America's most enduring literary classics, 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' about a child's view of right and wrong and waited 55 years to publish a second book with the same characters from a very different point of view, has died at the age of 89, local Alabama news site reported on February 19, 2016. REUTERS/Larry Downing/Files — U.S. President George W. Bush (R) before awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to American novelist Harper Lee (L) in the East Room of the White House, in this November 5, 2007, file photo. Lee, who wrote one of America's most enduring literary classics, "To Kill a Mockingbird," about a child's view of right and wrong and waited 55 years to publish a second book with the same characters from a very different point of view, has died at the age of 89, local Alabama news site reported on February 19, 2016. REUTERS/Larry Downing/Files | (Photo: Reuters/Larry Downing/Files)

Few authors have impacted the American literary and public consciousness as much as Harper Lee and her widely read and acclaimed novel, To Kill A Mockingbird.

Published over a half century ago, it continues to be widely read and sends powerful messages to American society regarding race, morality, and conscience.

With Lee's recent passing at the age of 89, many are recalling the many great statements and declarations that she put to paper.

Below are seven examples of thought-provoking mirth that are derived from the recently lost intellect of Lee. Rest in peace, rest in power.

Amy Burchfield and her daughter Scout Burchfield take a photo with the 'A Celebration of Reading' sculpture at the Old Monroe County Courthouse, the setting of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in Monroeville, Alabama July 14, 2015. The southern hometown of author Harper Lee, is celebrating the release of 'Go Set a Watchman', Lee's first published novel in 55 years. — Amy Burchfield and her daughter Scout Burchfield take a photo with the "A Celebration of Reading" sculpture at the Old Monroe County Courthouse, the setting of "To Kill a Mockingbird" in Monroeville, Alabama July 14, 2015. The southern hometown of author Harper Lee, is celebrating the release of "Go Set a Watchman", Lee's first published novel in 55 years. | (Photo: Reuters/Michael Spooneybarger)

1. Real Courage

"Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do."

Sandy Smith leads a walking tour of sites mentioned in the books 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'Go Set a Watchman' in Monroeville, Alabama July 14, 2015. The southern hometown of author Harper Lee, is celebrating the release of 'Go Set a Watchman' Lee's first published novel in 55 years. — Sandy Smith leads a walking tour of sites mentioned in the books "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Go Set a Watchman" in Monroeville, Alabama July 14, 2015. The southern hometown of author Harper Lee, is celebrating the release of "Go Set a Watchman" Lee's first published novel in 55 years. | (Photo: Reuters/Michael Spooneybarger)

2. Conscience

"The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."

3. Family

"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."

Nancy Anderson speaks to visitors about 'To Kill a Mockingbird' at the Monument to Atticus Finch near the Old Monroe County Courthouse while giving visitors a tour in Monroeville, Alabama July 14, 2015. The southern hometown of author Harper Lee is celebrating the release of 'Go Set a Watchman', Lee's first published novel in 55 years. — Nancy Anderson speaks to visitors about "To Kill a Mockingbird" at the Monument to Atticus Finch near the Old Monroe County Courthouse while giving visitors a tour in Monroeville, Alabama July 14, 2015. The southern hometown of author Harper Lee is celebrating the release of "Go Set a Watchman", Lee's first published novel in 55 years. | (Photo: Reuters/Michael Spooneybarger)

4. Books to Read

"The book to read is not the one that thinks for you but the one which makes you think."

5. Highest Tribute

"We're paying the highest tribute you can pay a man. We trust him to do right. It's that simple."

A customer reads a copy of Harper Lee's book 'Go Set a Watchman' after purchasing it at a Barnes & Noble store in New York, July 14, 2015. 'Go Set a Watchman,' the much-anticipated second novel by 'To Kill a Mockingbird' author Harper Lee, is the most pre-ordered print title on Amazon.com since the last book in the 'Harry Potter' series, Amazon said. — A customer reads a copy of Harper Lee's book "Go Set a Watchman" after purchasing it at a Barnes & Noble store in New York, July 14, 2015. "Go Set a Watchman," the much-anticipated second novel by "To Kill a Mockingbird" author Harper Lee, is the most pre-ordered print title on Amazon.com since the last book in the "Harry Potter" series, Amazon said. | (Photo: Reuters/Lucas Jackson)

6. Mockingbirds

"Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

7. Morning

"Things are always better in the morning."