10 Harry Potter Quotes that Make me Smile

Harry Potter, whether you watched the movies or read the books, the magic portrayed has probably changed you. I know I am not the only one who quotes Harry Potter every chance I get.

1) Always be Yourself

After Hagrid finds out his mother was a giantess, he tries to resign from Hogwarts. Dumbledore refuses to accept the fact that Hagrid quit, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione tell Hagrid that they want him to return to teaching. Hagrid then explains his philosophy on self-acceptance.

“I am what I am, an’ I’m not ashamed. ‘Never be ashamed,’ my ol’ dad used ter say, ‘there’s some who’ll hold it against you, but they’re not worth botherin’ with.”

Globally, this depicts a more meaningful lesson; never be ashamed of who you are and do not change for people. You were created to be yourself and there is no one else like you!

2) Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation

Dumbledore tells Harry Potter that he is “the chosen one” meaning, the only one capable of killing Voldemort. Dumbledore makes a distinction between people who solely possess the skills to do something and those who have a purpose and duty.

“It was, he thought, the difference between being dragged into the arena to face a battle to the death and walking into the arena with your head held high. Some people, perhaps, would say that there was little to choose between the two ways, but Dumbledore knew — and so do I, thought Harry, with a rush of fierce pride, and so did my parents — that there was all the difference in the world.”

This is a prime example of intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation, as well as self-efficacy. Believe in your capabilities and stand by them.

3) Facing Problems

After the Triwizard Tournament, Harry Potter is traumatized. Dumbledore thinks it’s beneficial for Harry to speak about his interaction with Voldemort inside the tournament arena, but Sirius thinks that Harry should just rest and that the conversation should continue in the morning. Dumbledore disagrees and persuades Harry to face his most recent horrific experience in the present moment.

“Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it.”

This is a lesson that depicts facing problems rather than fearing them. Facing them head-on in order to feel liberated.

4) Bravery

Dumbledore has taught us many lessons that not only stuck with Harry Potter and made him great, but words that we can apply to our own lives. Being brave is something he constantly preaches, and this quote says:

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

Sometimes our friends, no matter how close you may be, do not have the best intentions or make the best decisions. Standing up to them is harder than standing up to an enemy or someone we don’t like.

5) Words are Magic

Is this article called Albus Dumbledore quotes or Harry Potter quotes? Dumbledore just preaches in a way that is inspiring to all people. Words are a huge part of our daily lives and means of communication. No one really pays too much attention to simple words but remember:

“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.”

Be careful to not hurt people by saying things irresponsibly. You also have the power to fix what you said by creating positive sentences. Words are truly magical.

6) Leadership

Are you born with leadership, or do you create it throughout your lifetime? Well, that is a tough question, and unfortunately, the answer cannot be determined. Dumbledore says that leadership is already in someone when they are born and their life circumstances help shape that further.

“It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well.”

Leadership is important; always be a leader and not a follower.

7) Tyrants

Tyrants are rulers that inflict fear and punishment on their people. Do they not know that this harsh way of the ruling will probably be the cause of their downfall? Well, according to Dumbledore:

“Have you any idea how much tyrants fear the people they oppress? All of them realize that one day, amongst their many victims, there is sure to be one who rises against them and strikes back!”

Take politics as an example, presidents who rule by installing harsh punishment know that one day they will fall, and possibly because of one of their own people.

8) Friends >

Can you overcome obstacles without friends? Could Harry Potter have knocked out a mountain troll without Hermione?

“But from that moment on, Hermione Granger became their friend. Because there are some things you can’t go through in life and become friends, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.”

Friends are so important in life, and we can always count on them when we face obstacles or are dealing with hard things. There is nothing like having a sidekick who helps you overcome all challenges!

9) Keep Fighting

Always fight, always keep going, and keep pushing! There will be hard times and times where you will feel at your worse, but remember to always get back up—just like Harry Potter did.

“It is important,” Dumbledore said, “to fight, and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then could evil be kept at bay, though never quite eradicated.”

There is evil that will hold you back sometimes, but keep fighting because you deserve to see all the beauties that life has to offer.

10) Happiness is Right Around the Corner

You can always find happiness if you just believe!

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

Be happy, always!