I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.- Atticus Finch

This quote is saying that real courage is not necessarily being brave with a weapon in one’s hand, but rather the courage to continue fighting even when you know that you are likely to fail. Atticus Finch is encouraging the reader to understand that courage means continuing to do what is right even when there may be difficult times and great obstacles that stand in the way. He expresses that courage is an inner strength that does not come from outside sources, such as weapons, but instead from within a person as they summon the strength to keep pushing forward and never give up even when it may seem like your efforts will not pay off.