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Dumbledore was the ultimate.
10 Comforting Words Of Wisdom From Albus Dumbledore
10 Most Powerful Quotes of Albus Dumbledore
When readers picture Albus Dumbledore they see a man with bright blue eyes, half-moon glasses perched on a long crooked nose, a tall thin build, flowing robes, a long silver beard tucked neatly into his belt, and a face lined with age and wisdom. Within the magical world of Harry Potter, Albus Percival Wulfic Brian Dumbledore is known for the greatness of his power and the depth of his wisdom. Throughout J.K. Rowling’s seven novels, Dumbledore guides Harry, thwarts evil, and is a hero to many. Furthermore, after revelations about Dumbledore’s past that emerged in The Deathly Hallows, debates continue to rage over Dumbledore’s motivations (but this is a discussion for another hub). Dumbledore polarizes fans, yet no matter one’s personal feelings about this character, it is impossible not to admire the wisdom, wittiness, and insight that flow from his many quotes. Through my multiple readings of Rowling’s novels, I have discovered ten quotes that have encouraged me in tough times, changed my outlook on life, and nourished my soul.
1. “After all to the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”
All humans have a fear of death, because we doubt what may come after this life is finished. Is there an afterlife, or is this it? Dumbledore reminds us that there is life after death, and not just any life, but an adventurous life of hope and joy. Perennial philosophy teaches us that the overwhelming consensus of human thought and religion points to the reality of an afterlife.
2. “Do not pity the dead Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love.”
Recently while in Chicago, I witnessed a funeral procession that many people stopped to watch drive by. I could see pity in the faces of several people. After walking for less than a minute, I saw a man lying in a side ally covered with newspapers…his jeans torn and filthy, his face aged by the weather and the brutality of life, and his hair matted with muck. This was a man who had been shown little love in life, and though his plight was obvious to all on the street, not one person took pity on his situation. Training my eyes skyward, as they filled with tears, my eyes were eclipsed by skyscrapers…and suddenly I realized that even among those who are working in the offices of corporations, wander some unfortunate souls who are struggling to live a hollow life devoid of love. I pray that society will focus more on what can be done for people; instead of regretting people or events that cannot be saved or changed.
3. “Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.”
This is a message that I believe all of America needs to hear. We live in an age in which politics is divisive instead of unifying. What we must all realize is that conservatives and liberals, republicans and democrats, capitalists and socialists are all striving toward the same ultimate goal: to make this beautiful country we live in a better place. If we take Dumbledore’s advice and open our hearts and minds up to those who think differently than us, then perhaps we will begin to sincerely work together to build better communities, stronger states, and a healing nation for a brighter tomorrow.
4. “It is a curious thing, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well.”
This quote by Dumbledore is quickly approved by a brief examination of history. The greatest leaders arose from unexpected backgrounds to lead peoples, tribes, nations, and empires.
5. “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
Dumbledore reminds us that having dreams is important, but focusing on your dreams too much can hinder life every day. We are meant to enjoy life to the full each day! Do not let your dreams for the future suffocate your life in the present.
6. “It is important to fight and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then can evil be kept at bay though never quite eradicated.”
Dumbledore realizes that the world is a dangerous place full of evil, and at times, we must be willing to fight against that evil whether it is slavery, Nazism, communism, or terrorism. We must be willing to confront poverty and brokenness, and we must never give up hope when all seems hopeless. Dumbledore triumphed over Grendelwald and Harry triumphed over Voldemort. Good will triumph over evil.
7. “Dark times lie ahead of us and there will be a time when we must choose between what is easy and what is right.”
Dumbledore says this line to the students at Hogwarts, just after the traumatic death of Cedric and the frightful return of Lord Voldemort. Dumbledore knows that only if everyone is willing to make sacrifices and cling to what is good in a world soon to be engulfed in darkness will victory ever be achieved. Likewise, in a world that is inundated with temptation, we as people must strive to live with integrity and stand up for what we know is right even if we are the only one standing.
8. “It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
In the Harry Potter series many characters judged others by good or bad blood (pure-bloods, half-bloods, and mud-bloods). Other character’s define themselves by their magical abilities or financial situations. Dumbledore reminds us that who we are and the direction of our lives does not depend on our past, the amount of money we make, our parents, our ability to sing, our mental capacity to learn, our looks, or our athletic ability. Rather, it is our choices, whether large or small, that determines our character, personality, and the satisfaction we derive from life.
9. “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
When I lost my cousin in a car accident, when I lost my best friend when he moved away, when my Great Grandmother suddenly died, this quote has reminded me to look at all the good that came from my relationships with these incredible people. Moreover, when you are struggling with anything in life, try to search for the glimmers of hope that can illuminate your heart.
10. “It’s the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more.”
In this quote Dumbledore simplifies two of the most common human fears down to uncertainty. In today’s society we crave certainty. We need to know what the weather is going to be so that we can make plans. We need to know that we have a job, shelter, food, something to do, a stable government, a future, and several other things. We cannot see in darkness; therefore, many fear it. And we don’t know exactly what’s coming when we die. Death is something that we must all face and we must face it alone. However, realizing that death itself is not to be feared is a comfortable thought.
10 Comforting Words Of Wisdom From Albus Dumbledore
10 Most Powerful Quotes of Albus Dumbledore
When readers picture Albus Dumbledore they see a man with bright blue eyes, half-moon glasses perched on a long crooked nose, a tall thin build, flowing robes, a long silver beard tucked neatly into his belt, and a face lined with age and wisdom. Within the magical world of Harry Potter, Albus Percival Wulfic Brian Dumbledore is known for the greatness of his power and the depth of his wisdom. Throughout J.K. Rowling’s seven novels, Dumbledore guides Harry, thwarts evil, and is a hero to many. Furthermore, after revelations about Dumbledore’s past that emerged in The Deathly Hallows, debates continue to rage over Dumbledore’s motivations (but this is a discussion for another hub). Dumbledore polarizes fans, yet no matter one’s personal feelings about this character, it is impossible not to admire the wisdom, wittiness, and insight that flow from his many quotes. Through my multiple readings of Rowling’s novels, I have discovered ten quotes that have encouraged me in tough times, changed my outlook on life, and nourished my soul.
1. “After all to the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”
All humans have a fear of death, because we doubt what may come after this life is finished. Is there an afterlife, or is this it? Dumbledore reminds us that there is life after death, and not just any life, but an adventurous life of hope and joy. Perennial philosophy teaches us that the overwhelming consensus of human thought and religion points to the reality of an afterlife.
2. “Do not pity the dead Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love.”
Recently while in Chicago, I witnessed a funeral procession that many people stopped to watch drive by. I could see pity in the faces of several people. After walking for less than a minute, I saw a man lying in a side ally covered with newspapers…his jeans torn and filthy, his face aged by the weather and the brutality of life, and his hair matted with muck. This was a man who had been shown little love in life, and though his plight was obvious to all on the street, not one person took pity on his situation. Training my eyes skyward, as they filled with tears, my eyes were eclipsed by skyscrapers…and suddenly I realized that even among those who are working in the offices of corporations, wander some unfortunate souls who are struggling to live a hollow life devoid of love. I pray that society will focus more on what can be done for people; instead of regretting people or events that cannot be saved or changed.
3. “Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.”
This is a message that I believe all of America needs to hear. We live in an age in which politics is divisive instead of unifying. What we must all realize is that conservatives and liberals, republicans and democrats, capitalists and socialists are all striving toward the same ultimate goal: to make this beautiful country we live in a better place. If we take Dumbledore’s advice and open our hearts and minds up to those who think differently than us, then perhaps we will begin to sincerely work together to build better communities, stronger states, and a healing nation for a brighter tomorrow.
4. “It is a curious thing, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well.”
This quote by Dumbledore is quickly approved by a brief examination of history. The greatest leaders arose from unexpected backgrounds to lead peoples, tribes, nations, and empires.
5. “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
Dumbledore reminds us that having dreams is important, but focusing on your dreams too much can hinder life every day. We are meant to enjoy life to the full each day! Do not let your dreams for the future suffocate your life in the present.
6. “It is important to fight and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then can evil be kept at bay though never quite eradicated.”
Dumbledore realizes that the world is a dangerous place full of evil, and at times, we must be willing to fight against that evil whether it is slavery, Nazism, communism, or terrorism. We must be willing to confront poverty and brokenness, and we must never give up hope when all seems hopeless. Dumbledore triumphed over Grendelwald and Harry triumphed over Voldemort. Good will triumph over evil.
7. “Dark times lie ahead of us and there will be a time when we must choose between what is easy and what is right.”
Dumbledore says this line to the students at Hogwarts, just after the traumatic death of Cedric and the frightful return of Lord Voldemort. Dumbledore knows that only if everyone is willing to make sacrifices and cling to what is good in a world soon to be engulfed in darkness will victory ever be achieved. Likewise, in a world that is inundated with temptation, we as people must strive to live with integrity and stand up for what we know is right even if we are the only one standing.
8. “It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
In the Harry Potter series many characters judged others by good or bad blood (pure-bloods, half-bloods, and mud-bloods). Other character’s define themselves by their magical abilities or financial situations. Dumbledore reminds us that who we are and the direction of our lives does not depend on our past, the amount of money we make, our parents, our ability to sing, our mental capacity to learn, our looks, or our athletic ability. Rather, it is our choices, whether large or small, that determines our character, personality, and the satisfaction we derive from life.
9. “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
When I lost my cousin in a car accident, when I lost my best friend when he moved away, when my Great Grandmother suddenly died, this quote has reminded me to look at all the good that came from my relationships with these incredible people. Moreover, when you are struggling with anything in life, try to search for the glimmers of hope that can illuminate your heart.
10. “It’s the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more.”
In this quote Dumbledore simplifies two of the most common human fears down to uncertainty. In today’s society we crave certainty. We need to know what the weather is going to be so that we can make plans. We need to know that we have a job, shelter, food, something to do, a stable government, a future, and several other things. We cannot see in darkness; therefore, many fear it. And we don’t know exactly what’s coming when we die. Death is something that we must all face and we must face it alone. However, realizing that death itself is not to be feared is a comfortable thought.
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