It’s been a whole 18 years since the first Harry Potter book came out, but in these uncertain times, many have been turning to Harry and the wizarding world once more for comfort. I personally did not grow up reading the Harry Potter books (cue sharp gasps and cries of disbelief!) It was just a cultural phenomenon that somehow completely flew over my head. However, last week I decided to download the audiobook of The Sorcerer's Stone and see what exactly I’ve been missing out on all these years. It didn’t take long before I was completely transported. J.K Rowling’s playful prose reawakened in me all the magic of childhood. But as fun and silly as the world of Hogwarts can be, it also imparted some serious wisdom. Part of what has made J.K Rowling such a successful children’s author is the fact that she didn’t write down to children, not sparing them from some of the darker aspects fantasy, or watering down profound insights. For this reason I’ve decided this week to compile seven quotes from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone that ring even truer today.
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
I’m not gonna lie, when I first listened to this scene. Dumbledore’s advice to Harry after gazing into the mirror of Erised, indulging in the life he could have had with his parents, reminds us all to live in the moment, not obsessing on what could have been
“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”
This line really stood out to me, especially given our current political climate. This is such an important message for children and adults alike, to stand up for what they believe in, even if it means standing up to someone we love and respect.
“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”
While this line has some odd implications in the context of the novel (of course you’d say that Dumbledore! Anything to make eleven year olds feel better about risking their lives to do your dirty work.) It’s still very Zen.
“ 'The truth.' Dumbledore sighed. 'It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.' "
Though in context, Dumbledore is essentially saying this to Harry to justify leaving him in the dark, this quote really brings to attention the power of words, and the truth as holding a sort of power that can harm or help. Life is not so black and white. The truth should be treasured, cherished, and also protected.
“Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.”
And of course there’s this classic gem! Harry, following Dumbledore’s advice, is the only one brave enough to call Voldemort by his name. This line showcases a common theme throughout Harry Potter, which is facing your fears head on, and not letting them fester in silence. You can’t defeat a great evil until you address it.
“There is no good and evil, there is only power and those too weak to seek it.”
Strangely enough, I was very attracted to this line spoken by Voldemort himself during his first face to face encounter with Harry. It struck me while reading this that there are many who legitimately abide by this philosophy, and suddenly Voldemort became a much scarier villain.
“Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. Love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark. To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever.”
And of course, amidst all the hate and all the fear thrashing all around us, there is always love to pull us through (I know I’m ripe with cheese right now, but you know what guys it's true!) Hate is always flaring up in new places, taking new forms, but love is constant, a slow pulsing power that will always win out in the end.
