I know I’m at least five years late to the party, but I recently read and watched all the Harry Potter installments. It was quite an amazing experience. Easily one of the best book series I have ever read, if not the best.
J.K. Rowling is not only skilled at weaving a plot, but her prose and natural flow within the book charms the reader. I’d never found myself laughing aloud while reading until I followed the antic of George and Fred Weasly. She truly brings the pages to life.
Two of my favorite characters from the Harry Potter series.
In honor of finishing the series, I thought I’d mention one of my favorite quotes from the book, and expound on why it’s relevant.
“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love.”
I feel the movie left out key plot points in Dumbledore’s final monologue, but I digress.
Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore graces the pages of the series with sprinkles of wisdom that apply to situations bigger than wizarding wars. I would go as far as to say that Dumbledore could be considered a God-like figure in allegorical context. While Dumbledore has many other meaningful quotes, I like this quote in particular.
It’s very easy to be angry at the world, especially with the world we live in. There’s a lot of hate out there that can sometimes seem overwhelming. Westboro Baptist Church may jump to mind immediately, but of course, there are many other examples. Violence, rape, homophobia, discrimination, neglect and using others only scratches the surface of what’s going wrong out there. Many people live their lives without receiving or showing others love.
Love is more than romance. Love is peace, love is empathy, love is tolerance, love is understanding.
Love is listening to the downtrodden. Love is acknowledging differences and embracing common ground. Love is sacrificing for another.
With this quote, Dumbledore tells us something very profound, something that is difficult to achieve. Our inner reaction to a lack of love in our world should be pity.
People who live without love will never truly be whole inside. It’s easy to be angry at those who lack love and spew hatred. But first and foremost, we should remember what these persons are lacking.
Dumbledore reminds us, in the midst of our lives, to empathize with people who may be quite unpleasant. Be aware how empty loveless people are. Dumbledore doesn’t tell us to let the loveless win, but to empathize with how unhappy they are. Dumbledore asks us to view the whole picture before we make a full judgement.
That’s pretty profound for a children’s book. And honestly, I can’t imagine a better message to give a child entering our turbulent world.
Putting the pen to paper 