The story of the boy who lived reminds us of simple, yet still so important truths. The text contains spoilers. If you don’t know anything about the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends, we recommend that you pay attention to our selections, such as films about magic or books that will appeal to lovers of secrets and mysticism.
1. Happiness can’t be bought with money
J.K. Rowling reveals this idea through the story of two magical families. The Weasleys live in a very modest house, the children have to wear each other’s clothes, and the parents barely make ends meet. The Malfoys, on the contrary, own a luxurious estate and constantly boast about their wealth.
At the same time, the Weasley family of good wizards has an atmosphere of endless fun, but the Malfoys have an unhealthy relationship. The dark path really brought them luxury, but deprived them of warmth and joy, and they understand their mistake only at the very end of the saga.
Of course, material well-being is a very pleasant thing, which can really improve life in many ways. But it cannot give unconditional happiness .
2. A person is defined by his attitude towards others
Harry learned this life lesson from his godfather Sirius Black: “If you want to know what a man is really like, watch how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”
Throughout history, villains have repeatedly proven this to be true. For example, Dolores Umbridge, who despises centaurs and other non-human creatures. Or the Death Eaters, who persecute half-blooded wizards.
Black’s advice holds true in the Muggle world as well. A person can be incredibly nice and pleasant when interacting with those of equal or higher status. But their true colors are revealed in how they treat those they consider beneath them, such as service staff. So observing how someone behaves with people from a different social circle can be an eye-opening experience.
3. Any dream can come true
In The Order of the Phoenix, Ginny Weasley admits that living under the same roof with twin brothers Fred and George taught her one important thing: “Nothing is impossible – it’s just a matter of having the courage.”
The Weasley twins are a shining example of the need to act now, rather than put off your desires for later. At first, no one took their idea of opening their own shop, “All sorts of Wizarding Wheezes”, seriously . But Fred and George decided to stand their ground. They dropped out of school, got down to business and achieved stunning success, managing to develop their business even in the most difficult times.
Any dream is worth being brave about. After all, the Weasley brothers didn’t achieve it by magic, but by dedicating themselves to an activity that made them happy and reflected their individuality. If you lack courage, find someone who is as passionate as you are. Together, you will have fun and be less scared.
4. Appearances are deceiving
Just look at Tom Riddle, the handsome, polite, straight-A student who released the basilisk from the Chamber of Secrets and killed Muggle-borns. Or Hagrid, the Care of Magical Creatures teacher who only looks menacing, but is actually a kind person with a huge heart. Or Severus Snape , the Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who everyone thought was a complete villain until they found out that he is one of the bravest and most selfless characters in the series.
In movies and books, heroes often undergo dramatic transformations, and we should have learned this lesson long ago. But in real life, we still find it hard not to judge others by their appearance. Try to remember Hagrid and Snape more often and rarely make far-reaching conclusions about people you don’t know well. Give them a chance to prove themselves – perhaps they will surprise you.
5. You have to live in real life, not in dreams
In the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry accidentally finds the Mirror of Erised. In it, everyone sees their most cherished dream come true. For Harry, these are his parents, who stand smiling next to him. It is not surprising that the boy disconnects from the outside world and begins to secretly spend hours near the magical object. During one of these forays, he is met by Professor Dumbledore , who tells Harry very simple words: “You should not live in your dreams and forget about real life.”
Many people like to dream and play out all sorts of scenarios in their heads. And there is nothing wrong with that, as long as the imaginary life does not replace the real one. Therefore, it is worth checking yourself from time to time to make sure that you are acting in the real world, and not just in your dreams.
6. All great people started small
In The Order of the Phoenix, Harry, Ron, and Hermione form Dumbledore’s Army to learn defensive spells that the Ministry of Magic won’t allow. Harry becomes a teacher to other teenagers and even gives an inspirational speech: “Don’t forget that all the great wizards in history were once just like us – schoolchildren. If they can do it, so can we.”
Our idols once took their first steps and paved the way to success through hard work, study and self-development – no magic. If you put in the effort, you too will have a chance to rise to the same high level. And if no one has yet done what you are going to do, it does not mean that nothing will work out. It means that you can be the first.
7. Sometimes the right choice is the hardest one
Starting with The Goblet of Fire, the sweet story of a brave young wizard takes a decidedly darker turn. After the death of Cedric Diggory and the return of Voldemort, Professor Dumbledore delivers a moving speech to the Hogwarts students: “There are hard times ahead, and we will all have to choose between what is right and what is easy.”
Everyone has turning points in life when it is easier to go the wrong way than the right way. However, you should always think not only about your comfort, but also about the consequences of your choice in the future, and not change your principles.
8. Few things in life are more important than friendship.
It’s not just the “golden trio” that reminds us of this. Take the story of the Marauders, for example. It was his friends who made the darkest moments of Remus Lupin’s life a little brighter. When they learned that he had been bitten by a werewolf as a child , they not only accepted their friend as he was, but also learned to transform into animals themselves to support him.
Friends are sometimes called a second family. But unlike the “first”, we choose it ourselves, and our friends love us not because they have to, but because they sincerely appreciate and respect us for who we really are.
9. There is nothing more important than love
This idea runs through the entire Harry Potter saga like a red thread. His mother’s love protected him from Voldemort for many years. In the final part of the series, Professor Dumbledore uttered one of his most vivid phrases: “Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and especially those who live without love.”
Love takes many different forms. It is not only loud confessions, but also care for a person, the desire to make his life easier and better. The ability to accept and show love gives meaning to every day and brightens gray everyday life.
10. You can be happy even in the most difficult times
“Happiness can be found even in dark times if one remembers to turn to the light,” says Professor Dumbledore in Prisoner of Azkaban.
Throughout the saga, the heroes try to maintain a positive outlook on the world and hope, even when the familiar world around them is collapsing . They come up with a funny radio show, “Potterwatch,” whose hosts not only report news, but also cheer up listeners when Voldemort comes to power. They create “Dumbledore’s Army” during one of the most difficult periods in Hogwarts history to support each other.
Never stop looking for light even in the darkest times. And if you can’t find it, become its source yourself, as the heroes of our beloved Potteriana did.