How Is Atticus Finch Selfish

The Truth behind Atticus Finch
The wise Daisaku Ikeda once said, “It is much more valuable to look for the strength in others. You gain nothing by criticizing their imperfections”. Focusing on other’s strengths allows one to improve themselves, and respect everyone. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch has only complete respect, for all whom he meets. He does not see the flaws of others, instead, he looks up to them for their strengths. Atticus has respect for everyone and treats them as his equals. This makes him naïve as he does not believe others could be dangerous or able to commit immoral actions. Atticus feels he has a moral obligation to provide justice in all situations without being influenced by his personal opinions.
Atticus takes Tom Robinson’s case because he sees the best in the people of Maycomb and believes he can make them change. Scout asks Atticus why he is defending Tom Robinson. Atticus explains that “Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience.... 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” (139-140). Although Atticus knows he will not win the trial, he thinks he will be able to appeal to the others’ consciences. This is significant because he sees past the racism and believes the citizens will realize what they are doing is incorrect. Although seeing the best in people allows him to make tough choices, it also blinds him to the dangers of others. Atticus is not scared of the angry mob because he does not think they are as dangerous as they are. Atticus is at the police station protecting Tom Robinson when a group of men come to lynch Tom. The wild men confront Atticus and say “‘you know what we want’…’get aside from the door, Mr. Finch. ’You can go home again Walter’, Atticus said pleasantly.” (202). Atticus is not scared of the mob because he does not think they will hurt him. This shows his naïvety in thinking he can confront all situations with respect and kindness alone. Seeing only the best in everyone is his fatal flaw. This flaw is what allows Bob Ewell to get
Even though Tom Robinson is hated by all the white citizens in Maycomb, Atticus still defends him in a court of law because he knows it is the right thing to do. When his reasoning is questioned, Atticus explains he is defending Tom Robinson “for a number of reasons. The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this country in the legislature, I could even tell Jem not to do something again” (100). Atticus knows Tom is innocent and does his best to expose the racism in Maycomb. This is important because he knows he is not going to win the trial, but he defends Tom anyway. This ideology is one that he values quite highly. Atticus teaches his children to be morally courageous as well because he values it so highly. Atticus is talking to Jem about Mrs. Dubose’s courage. Atticus “wanted [Jem] to see what real courage is…. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what” (149). When Atticus talks about doing the right thing even if one is going to lose, it really shows his moral courage. He has so much respect for Mrs. Dubose because he acknowledges her courage in conquering her drug addiction. He explains to Jem what courage is because he desires him to discover the intensity and ability of moral courage. This shows how Atticus considers courage to be such a