#6: Valuable Life Quotes from Harry Potter

#FCOutreach #Day4 Article #6 by Sumana Prasad

What comes to your mind when I say “Harry Potter”? Hogwarts? Voldemort? The Golden Trio? The Deathly Hallows? The list is not exhaustive what with all the jargon only Potterheads could possibly define. But if there is one thing that definitely occurs to me when someone mentions “Harry Potter”, it would be valuable life quotes. The extent to which the quotes are valuable really depends on how you apply them your own life. But hey, aren’t we all waiting for our Hogwarts letter? So here’s a list of 10 memorable and valuable quotes from the Harry Potter book/film series!

Quote #1

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

This quote was by Professor Albus Dumbledore and appeared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The extent to which choices greatly affect our life (mainly because choices exist to affect our lives) is summarised in this one quote where we realise that potential and ability do not necessarily define our lives.

Quote #2

“The things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end. If not always in the way we expect.”

This quote was by Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and is also a reason why I love Luna. Having been through so much in her life, she still stands strong in her beliefs, no matter how weird they may seem. Her belief in the unknown and impossible allows her to have a rather positive outlook in life which is clearly visible in the quote above.

Quote #3

“We’ve all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That’s who we really are.”

Sirius Black, my favourite character in the entire series. This quote was by him in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This quote perfectly sums up the entire humankind. There is no good person or bad person. We all have our sunny days and our thunderstorms. However, at the same time, it is entirely up to us to decide who exactly we want to be.

Quote #4

“Dobby never meant to kill. Dobby only meant to maim, or seriously injure.”

I hope you all are crying your heart out because this was the scene before Dobby died in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. And you are probably asking as to how this quote is valuable? Well, firstly, it is by Dobby. Secondly, this quote highlights how innocence may not necessarily be your typical goodie two-shoes boy but simply someone who serves to protect others but not harm anyone seriously.

Quote #5

“If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”

Once again, my life guru, Sirius Black strikes with this profound quote. And this does not need much explanation because it is rather self-explanatory. Someone who views their world as an inferior and someone who views himself as an inferior have many differences in their personality and character. Well done, Sirius! I am so proud of you *ugly sobbing*

Quote #6

“After all, to the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure.”

This quote was by Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Upon closer inspection, I realised that this quote could also apply to RGS girls. If only we had an organised mind that does not procrastinate often, our exams and PTs (symbolised by death in the above quote) would just be one jolly, good adventure, right?

Quote #7

“ It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

We should all worship Albus Dumbledore just for his quotes, I tell you. This quote can be interpreted in many ways but to me, it’s about how we should not just dream forever but act on them so that we can accomplish them. At the same time, this quote also enables us to realise that we have to enjoy every minute of our life and live in the present rather than dwelling on the past or the future. This quote appeared in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Quote #8

“The mind is not a book to be opened at will and examined at leisure.”

All hail Severus Snape for this marvellous quote which appeared in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Although at first glance this quote may only apply to scene wherein Harry Potter is undergoing Occlumency, it also allows us to realise a simple rule of life: “Keep your thoughts to yourself.” Sometimes, we tend to cause problems by allowing others to read our thoughts on purpose and well, the end result is not really pleasing.

Quote #9

“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”

This quote appeared in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when Albus Dumbledore secretly showed partialism (ehehehe!) to Gryffindor and gave them more points so that they could win (that was such a cheeky scene!). He further gave Neville Longbottom 10 points because he stood up to his friend when they were sneaking out. But don’t you think this makes sense in real life as well?

Quote #10

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.”

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my favourite quote of all time from Albus Dumbledore which first appeared in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Sometimes, the way to happiness may not be that difficult as we make it to be. Even the darkest of times may hold the key to lifelong happiness.

Bonus Quote!!

“I can touch you now!”

I rest my case.

Written by Sumana