The final "Harry Potter" novel was published nearly nine years ago, but the magic that was felt through the words of the original series continues to resonate. Throughout the series, many characters said memorable quotes that are applicable to real life. The reason why the quotes are relevant is largely because J.K. Rowling wrote from experience and she, like many of us, has experienced various forms of love, loss and friendship, all of which are major themes in the series. Here are the 10 "Harry Potter" quotes that I consider to be the most relatable.
1. “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – Albus Dumbledore, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
Dumbledore’s quote is my favorite one in the entire series and is one that has resonated with me even though I picked up the books for the first time nearly a decade ago. What his quote means to me is that despite our skills being important factors in what we are capable of accomplishing, we undervalue the defining nature of our choices and how without them, we would be incapable of change or progress.
2. “If you want to see the true measure of a man, watch how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” – Sirius Black, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
I love Black’s quote because it is easy to judge a person by how he treats those on the same level as him or herself. It is not unusual to treat those who share our status in life respectfully. However, we should instead look at how we treat those who we do not stand to gain anything from and acknowledge that they deserve as much respect as anyone else.
3. “Really Hagrid, if you are holding out for universal popularity, I’m afraid you will be in this cabin for a very long time.” – "Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
I think that everyone can relate to Dumbledore’s quote because we have likely all experienced a time when we encountered someone who did not like us. It is important to remember that as long as we live our lives with kindness and to the best of our ability, then we do not need everyone’s approval. What is most important is that you can respect yourself.
4. “Anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.” – Ginny Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
Weasley’s quote is one that can be recalled when you ever self-doubt and worry that you are not good enough to succeed in doing something. Sometimes you just need to give yourself an extra push and remind yourself that the things in life that are worth the most tend to require the most effort, even if in the beginning it seems insurmountable.
5. “Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.” – Albus Dumbledore, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone"
When we refuse to speak directly about someone or something, it gives our fear power to control how we behave and act. We should not purposefully avoid the painful topics in life out of fear that they will consume us. If we do, then we are allowing those topics to take hold of us and restrict us from being our true selves at our highest potentials.
6. “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” – The Marauders Map, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
The quote that was created by the Marauders (James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew) is perhaps one of the most recognizable of the Harry Potter quotes. What I like about the quote in particular is that it is fun and reminds us that it is perfectly acceptable to get into good-natured trouble and to own up to it.
7. “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that.” – Albus Dumbledore, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone"
It is easy to get caught up in where we want to be and what we want to achieve in the future, but it is a lot more challenging to live in the moment and let it all fall into place. Dumbledore’s quote reminds us that part of the excitement is living life and letting the pieces fall into place as we go. If we spend all of our time looking to the future, we may miss out on opportunities that only come around once.
8. “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.” – Albus Dumbledore, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone"
Most of us have probably experienced what it is like to stand up to a friend and realize that it is much harder than standing up to someone that we do not like. When you have to confront a friend there is much more to lose if the confrontation ends badly, but there is also a lot to gain, such as respect and confidence that you are able to stand by your convictions. It also shows that you value your morals enough to place your friendship on the line in the hopes that your friend will respect you and not take advantage of you.
9. “What’s comin’ will come, an’ we’ll meet it when it does.” – Rubeus Hagrid, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
People try to plan everything out so that there are no surprises, but it is easier to remember that life simply happens and that people cannot always control it. Sometimes we are also capable of combating the tough moments when we wait and let them unfold rather than trying to confront them prematurely. Hagrid’s quote reminds me that sometimes waiting for the storm to hit is acceptable because then you are no longer dealing with something abstract, but rather you know what you are up against.
10. “Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.” – Albus Dumbledore, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
Tragic events constantly shape our lives, as well as how various governing bodies and we react to them. It is easy to divide ourselves and make generalizations, but I like to think that if Dumbledore were real and watching current events unfold that he would implore us to remember that many of us share a common goal: harmony. Regardless of those who try to prevent harmony -- and there will always be people who do -- we should remember that our differences are not what should separate us, but are the aspects of life that should bring us together in an effort to achieve deep solidarity.
Knowing that people have experienced similar emotions to yourself provides a sense of comfort because it makes you aware that you are not the only person experiencing a particular struggle. These quotes are some of many that I find relatable and influential from the "Harry Potter" series because they touch upon aspects of life that we all know and have experienced, positively or negatively.
