I am passionate about God, writing, reading, intercultural studies, theology, Celtic music, British history, mocha frappes, and life.

Dumbledore in the Great Hall

When readers picture Albus Dumbledore, they might imagine a man with bright blue eyes, half-moon glasses perched on a long crooked nose, a tall and 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 Wulfric 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.

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 article. 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 mouth. 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.

“After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”

From: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Context: When Dumbledore visits Harry in the hospital, he explains that he and Nicholas Flamel planned to thwart Voldemort by destroying the sorcerer's stone and that Flamel will die in the process. Dumbledore is telling Harry that Flamel's death will not be a tragedy but rather a carefully planned and welcomed sacrifice for the greater good.

Meaning Within Context: Voldemort doesn't have the kind of wisdom that Dumbledore and Flamel have, the kind exemplified in the quote. Voldemort's fear of death controls him and makes him sacrifice everything, including sanity, in order to cling to life. This is just one more example of how Voldemort is controlled by fear, and how his fear deranges him.

Personal Meaning: All humans fear death, because we doubt what may come after this life is finished. Is there an afterlife, or is this it? Dumbledore reassures us that there is life after death, and not just any life, but an adventurous life of hope and joy. Philosophy teaches us that the overwhelming consensus of human thought and religion believes in the reality of an afterlife.

“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love.”

From: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Context: When Harry is killed by Voldemort, he finds himself in another world, one that is calm and peaceful, where Dumbledore is waiting for him with these words.

Meaning Within Context: In this moment, Harry has to choose between life and death, and he feels torn. Part of him wants to stay with Dumbledore. If he returns to life, it will be hard, dark, and painful. But if he chooses life, he can try to do something to stop Voldemort and prevent him from victimizing others. It is a hard decision made easier by the fact that Harry has people in life whom he loves. Voldemort, on the other hand, loves and is loved by nobody, and so his existence is the most pitiful.

Personal Meaning: Recently, 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 alley, covered with newspapers. His jeans were 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. As my eyes filled with tears, I looked up and saw skyscrapers. Suddenly, I realized that even among those hallways of offices of corporations wander some unfortunate souls who are struggling to live a hollow life devoid of love. Dumbledore understood this and said as much: It is the unloved living who suffer most.

“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.”

From: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Context: This quote comes in the same scene as above, after Voldemort has killed the Horcrux inside Harry. Dumbledore and Harry have a long conversation in a peaceful, quiet world that looks like King's Cross Station.

Meaning Within Context: Dumbledore tells Harry that the next move is his choice: Harry can stay in this afterlife and perhaps catch a train to somewhere else, or he can go back to his body and continue to fight the hard fight. In other words, he can choose to escape or to go back and lead the fight. Harry hasn't yet embraced his role as leader of the battle against Voldemort—Harry often feels conflicted about leading—and Dumbledore is explaining that the best leaders are not those who seek power (like Voldemort) but those take the responsibility for doing the right thing in the moment (like Harry).

Personal Meaning: This quote by Dumbledore is quickly validated by a brief examination of history. The greatest leaders arose from unexpected backgrounds to lead peoples, tribes, nations, and empires.

“Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.”

From: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Context: After Voldemort kills Cedric Diggory, Dumbledore addresses everyone—the students at Hogwarts plus students who came from other schools to participate in the Triwizard Tournament—to announce what has happened.

Meaning Within Context: Cedric's death triggers rumors and fear amongst the students. Once again, Voldemort's actions manage to sow distrust and discord amongst the wizarding community. Dumbledore's speech seeks to repair this break and bring the students together again. He reminds them that although they come from different places, know different customs, and speak different languages, they share certain core values. Remembering this will help them form bonds and fight together for common goals and ideals.

Personal Meaning: 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, liberals, republicans, 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, then perhaps we will begin to sincerely work to build better communities, stronger states, and a healing nation for a brighter tomorrow.

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

From: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Context: Dumbledore finds Harry looking in the Mirror of Erised again. He warns Harry that the mirror "shows us nothing more or less than the deepest and most desperate desires of our hearts." He also warns, "This mirror gives us neither knowledge nor truth. Men have wasted away in front of it, even gone mad." He says he is going to move the mirror and asks Harry not to try to find it again.

Meaning Within Context: Having lost his parents as an infant, Harry is susceptible to getting lost in the past, in what-ifs and what-might-have-beens. Instead of living in the present moment, Harry feels drawn to sit on the hard floor in a cold room for hours, not moving, lost in the fantasy depicted in the mirror. He is at risk of choosing fantasy over reality and becoming addicted to his dream.

Personal Meaning: 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 fullest every day! Do not let your dreams for the future suffocate your life in the present.

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

From: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Context: These words were spoken after Harry met Voldemort for the first time since Voldemort killed his parents when Harry and Dumbledore discussed the odds of winning against the Dark Lord. Later, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry remembers these words and reflects on how many battles have been fought against the Dark Lord since that first encounter.

Meaning Within Context: Dumbledore knows that there may be too much evil to kill it all at once but we must continue striving, in small ways and large, to fight against wrong. Dumbledore admits that he does not know if evil can ever be thwarted completely but it is important to keep trying, no matter how hopeless the cause might feel.

Personal Meaning: Dumbledore realizes that the world is a dangerous place full of evil, and that, 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. We must never give up hope when all seems hopeless. Dumbledore triumphed over Grindelwald and Harry triumphed over Voldemort. Good will triumph over evil.

“Dark times lie ahead of us and there will be a time when we must choose between what is easy and what is right.”

From: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Context: Dumbledore says this line to the students at Hogwarts, just after the traumatic death of Cedric Diggory and the frightful return of Lord Voldemort.

Meaning Within Context: Dumbledore knows that if everyone is willing to make sacrifices and cling to what is good, that's how victory will be achieved.

Personal Meaning: Likewise, in a world that is inundated with temptation, we must strive to live with integrity and stand up for what we know is right even if we are the only ones standing.

“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

From: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Context: After prevailing in the chamber of secrets, Dumbledore speaks to Harry in his office. Harry worries aloud about the similarities he noticed between himself and Tom Riddle, and Dumbledore speaks these words.

Meaning Within Context: Harry and Voldemort have a lot of things in common, but it is their choices that define them and make them different and unique.

Personal Meaning: In the Harry Potter series, many characters are judged by their blood (pure bloods, half-bloods, and mudbloods). Other characters define themselves by their magical abilities or financial situations. Dumbledore reminds us that who we are and the direction of our lives do 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 that determine our character, personality, and the satisfaction we derive from life.

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

From: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Context: Dumbledore says these words during the first dinner of the school year at Hogwarts. He explains that the school will host several dementors who are there purportedly to guard the students.

Meaning Within Context: Dumbledore knows that dark times are coming, and he takes this opportunity to alert the students. He's trying to give them the information they will need to defend themselves against the dementors and other dark creatures.

Personal Meaning: When I lost my cousin in a car accident, when I lost my best friend when he moved away, and when my great-grandmother suddenly died, this quote reminded me to look at all the good that came from my relationships with these incredible people. When you are struggling with anything in life, try to search for the glimmers of hope that can illuminate your heart.

“It’s the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more.”

From: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Context: The full quote goes like this: There is nothing to be feared from a body, Harry, any more than there is anything to be feared from the darkness... It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more."

Meaning Within Context: Like Voldemort, Harry has to deal with his fear of death. Dumbledore reassures him that this fear is ultimately misplaced and meaningless. This quote also offers foreshadowing, however, since this is the book in which Dumbledore dies.

Personal Meaning: In this quote, Dumbledore explains one of our most common fears: the uncertainty of what happens after death. Humans 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, and a future. 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 comforting thought.

How well do you know Dumbledore?

For each question, choose the best answer. The answer key is below.

What is the name of Dumbledore's Phoenix? Fox

Fawkes

Hedwig

Fean What muggle art/craft does Dumbledore enjoy looking at? carvings

knitting patterns

quilting Roughly how old was Dumbledore when he was killed? 85

100

120

150 What fell off of Dumbledore's hat when he talked with Harry in the broomshed in the 6th book? a fly

a feather

a spider

floo powder What subject did Dumbledore teach before becoming Headmaster? Charms

Transfiguration

Potions

Occlumency Which of Dumbledore's hands was whithered in book 6? right

left

neither Whom did Dumbledore defeat in an epic dual in 1945? Voldemort

Salazar Slytherin

Scrimgeour

Grendalwald

Answer Key

Fawkes knitting patterns 150 a spider Transfiguration right Grendalwald

Kellan Spence on March 11, 2020:

The quote about light is wrong! It is happiness can be found EVEN in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.

YO45 on February 25, 2020:

Dumbledore is a very wise and skilled wizard.

Gregor H on November 01, 2019:

Very nice choices. I'd be hard-pressed to find more meaningful quotes.

Harry Potter And the Sorcerer Stone Devin on June 30, 2019:

Devin Harry Potter And the Sorcer's

Stone the Wizaro of OZ of its time A

Compete triumph Rihard Roeeper

Ebert Roeeper

Kordai on March 12, 2019:

my favorite quote that Dumbledore said was "happiness can be found even in the most darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light".

Shravan Krishna on August 26, 2018:

I Love Dumbledore's quotes. It has changed my view towards life

Anoymous on June 10, 2018:

I like the one about happiness. 'Happiness can be found in even the darkest of the times for those who remember to turn on the light.'

The twins on May 25, 2018:

I like hemp.

Jasmyn on March 17, 2018:

I understand not everyone is like you in life this one girl I know she is full of hatred for me it’s like she don’t get me but I remember happiness can be found in the darkest of places if you just remember to turn on the light as Dumbledore quoted the photo quote I understand not everyone like you in life this one girl I know she is full of hatred for me is like she don’t get me but I remember happiness can be found in the darkest of places if you just remember to turn on the light as Dumbledore quoted This quote will for ever be my favourite because of people like this go I need to read this quote and think to themselves am I doing the right thing because happiness can be found in the darkest places I’ve learnt that myself

Diane on January 19, 2018:

"... and, above all, those who live without love."

When I face people who have hate and spite in them I still remember to love them because of this quote.

Maria on January 10, 2018:

My favorite is “It’s is are choices that show who we true Lynch are,far more then are abilities”

BATcat on December 30, 2017:

Dumbly door is the best

Vikram on October 22, 2017:

My fav is " I am older ,more cleverer and less valuable"

Soul rebel on September 07, 2017:

Communism isn't evil

Charith on March 10, 2017:

It's really wonderful. I like " it is our choices which

Shows who you are rather than your abilities"

Quiz on February 26, 2017:

In the quiz, the question is "Roughly how old was Dumbledore when he was killed?". Canonically, Dumbledore was born in 1881, and died in 1997, before his 116 birthday. Therefor, he was 115. If 120 is one of the choices, and is the closest to his actual age, then why is 150 considered to be the correct answer?

HPFAN on January 28, 2017:

Dumbledores quotes are incredibly inspiring and helpful and I think I couldn't be happy today if not for Joanne.

Sirius' quotes are quite amazing too:

"The ones who love us never really leave us. You can always find them in here"

and

"Besides, the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters. We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are.”

THANK YOU SO MUCH JK ROWLING!!

Hayley on December 02, 2016:

I really, really love Harry potter

Scribbling Geek from Singapore on August 05, 2016:

Let me add this, which was mentioned in Cursed Child.

The truth is a beautiful and terrible thing. and should therefore be treated with great caution.”

Kelsey Mecher from Back corner of Starbucks on July 28, 2016:

My favorite quote from Dumbledore will always be: "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." So many times we face dark times thinking we will never succeed in anything, be anything we want to be and we forget that all we have to do is turn on the light to see where we need to go.

Scribbling Geek from Singapore on July 26, 2016:

I find quote 3 the most profound. The one about leadership.

k959 on July 09, 2016:

its super..

“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” is also one among the best

Parker Hall on March 31, 2016:

fantastic post

KenMagee on January 19, 2016:

Posted 5 years ago and people are still reading and commenting... great hub!

Waqas Ahmad from Lahore, Pakistan on October 20, 2015:

“Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” The quote that make me smile, Dumbledore even in his old time still have his taste of romance and happiness.

Priti on September 10, 2015:

awesome :)

King on August 13, 2015:

Your sharing and feeling about the quotes of Dumbledore are so inspiring that they enrich my understanding of Harry Potter series. Moreover, your experience about the quotes is impressive!!! Thank you for your passage!!!

am15 on July 18, 2015:

This is absolutely brilliant! Amazing writing and your interpretations totally helped me understand a lot of the quotes better. Thanks so much!

Jelena from Florida on June 21, 2015:

Merlins Beard! That is jolly good stuff.

anonymous on April 04, 2015:

This was really good. it helped me understand some quotes better.

Gaur on March 02, 2015:

Can someone throw some light on the following quote:

"Time is making fools of us again"

I'm unable to understand this quote

DatBlog on February 24, 2015:

Kinda SIck m8

Manognya on January 26, 2015:

I think that you should add"Nitwit.Blubbler.Oddment.Tweak"...best quote ever

ASDFGHJKL on January 12, 2015:

very moving

Meg-Meg on October 23, 2014:

I love how you explain the quotes! The main thing I needed though was some pictures! :)

Travis Wood from Woodstock, Georgia on October 21, 2014:

This is well written and structured. I'd recommend you to mingle in some photos to help break the monotony of text, something to give the reader's eyes something to take a break with for just a second.

Jacqui from New Zealand on August 18, 2014:

I like this...thanks. It's interesting to think that these quotes of such depth and wisdom came from someone just like the rest of us, trying to make a living, by writing....well done Ms Rowling.

Ashish Deshpande from Mumbai on August 04, 2014:

incredibly brilliant interpretation of these movie quotes you have made, my friend...truly i too have found much solace in many of the quotes of harry potter movies..i also love severus snape's love for lily a lot. The word - Always...ah..its so mesmerizing and love personified.. :)

A potterhead on January 27, 2014:

But, wait... What about "Ah, music. A magic beyond all that we teach here." Haha

A potterhead on January 27, 2014:

This really great. I love the way you explain it all. There is so much to learn from Dumbledore; these truly are awesome quotes.

Aaron on December 03, 2013:

...How is communism evil?

Katie Lineback on November 25, 2013:

I look to a Dumbledor quote when I feel down. Great inspiration.

Rhondayes on November 18, 2013:

Agreed. That's another. Maybe it could be created a top 20 list of sayings by Dumbledore.

Rae Saylor from Australia on November 17, 2013:

^ Yup. That, too!

Teran on November 15, 2013:

You literally forgot the best quote of all of his...."Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it."

Rae Saylor from Australia on November 04, 2013:

A compilation of quotes is always interesting! Your hub makes me wonder how Ms. J.K. Rowling weaved such beautiful words. Thanks for this, man!

Amanda from Michigan, United States on August 01, 2013:

It was lovely (re)reading these quotes all at once. Dumbledore is a classic character with lines that will live down in literature's history, in my opinion.

Michelle Widmann on July 24, 2013:

Dumbledore is such a man filled with wise words. JK Rowling was really amazing writing such quotable and enchanting lines for his character. Great hub!

manatita44 from london on July 24, 2013:

Your approach is spiritual and you write easily. Not difficult as you seem to know your subject well. It is much harder to write spiritually, so I would guess that you are in the 'zone' so to speak. God bless your life with abundance and fortitude.

Mel Carriere from San Diego California on July 21, 2013:

Nice hub. Wise words. Do you prefer the Richard Harris or the Michael Gambone version of Dumbledore?

marion langley from The Study on July 05, 2013:

The cream of the crop. Thank-you for writing such personal touches to these great quotes!

michael on April 17, 2013:

“Think your little jokes’ll help you on your deathbed then?” she jeered.

“Jokes? No, no, these are manners,” replied Dumbledore.

SRB on March 18, 2013:

To the commentator called Faith above - I think you may need to re-evaluate your friendship! I wouldn't be friends with someone so narrow- minded that they would take a fictional book literally and make themselves so angry and judgmental (and I am not just referring to the Harry Potter books)!

I have enormous respect for JK Rowling for a number of reasons and her creation of Dumbledore and his (well, actually her) philosophical insight about the importance of humanity and empathy really resonates with me.

Well done to the blogger here for collecting and discussing them so eloquently. My two favourite quotes are the "choices" one and the one about darkness and turning on the light. I lost my sister to cancer when she was just 25 three years ago and it definitely helped me with my pain and grief. It still does! I cannot read the passage about death (the one in the last book where Harry leaves during the battle to confront Voldemort) without crying. My sister read the last book when she knew she was dying and it must have been so hard for her to read that passage and know it was happening to her for real. :-(

SS on March 07, 2013:

Very well written. Keep fighting evil !

Vicky on February 17, 2013:

Thank you Humble and Wise Professer. For all you have done. And your

Wise quotes.

♥xoxo and Scincerly,

Vicky

amelia on February 15, 2013:

i put these qoutes right above my dresser for me to see all the time

Nicomoto on January 19, 2013:

These are brilliant quotes. But credit should be given where its due. All these quotes point to a very sharp understanding of life that JK Rowling displays. It takes a brilliant mind, to not only notice such things in life, but also craft them into stories in meaningful and thought invoking ways.

henry on January 13, 2013:

thank you for reminding me of those wonderful quotes i will always remember them when i am in dispair

michelle on January 03, 2013:

all those qoutes are amazing i think that harry potter really helpd me to get over my dark times it teaches us a lot and i've go to say that i think that the most beautifull part in the book is when harry see snape's memories and then he see snapes patronus and dumbeldore ask snape "after all these years?" and snape said "allways"

MKGee on December 18, 2012:

Don't be grateful to Dumbledore, but is grateful to Rowling. Because She was the one who wrote the book and created this incredible imagination :)

Faith on December 04, 2012:

I have a friend who is totally against Harry Potter. We are Christians and she says they are of the devil. However, no one could say that when you see how Dumbledore's quotes apply so fully to goodness, truth, and beauty, though he may be talking about wizardy stuff. There is so much symbolism and allegorical elements of Harry Potter that an outsider doesn't see. In my opinion, if these books will bring you closer to the GOOD, the TRUE, and the BEAUTIFUL, then they truly are good, true, and beautiful. That is why I love Harry Potter!

varsha on November 28, 2012:

Hey, that's a great article. He truly was one of the most inspirational characters ever.

It's hard to believe that all these words that have sort of become my guiding philosophy in life came from the pen of one woman. I just want to say, "ALL HAIL, QUEEN ROWLING!"

"Dumbledore's woman, through and through!"

NO NAME on November 26, 2012:

I love Dumbeldore and these quotes reminded me what life is about....

Adjudicator on October 18, 2012:

I know this has been commented on but i find it too startlingly ignorant to pass it up.

Why do you characterize communism as evil? It was simply another system. It wasn't the system that was flawed, it was the inability of the government to uphold it correctly.

you sadden me with your unfounded assumptions.

Sarah on August 10, 2012:

Wonderful list! You did a great job! I clicked on this link looking for a specific Dumbledore quote and you had it (#6 if you're interested).

rohit on July 07, 2012:

Dumbledore's qoutes are not only inspiring, but ther is something about the way he puts his words together, that make them linger in your brain for ..... Hats off to Rowling :)

Nevy99 on June 27, 2012:

Truly awesome.

: )

Amzraz on June 27, 2012:

Beautiful.

guilroxan@yahoo.com on June 04, 2012:

I like all the quotes it is so inspiring really, in fact i posted it on my wall, thanks for this this is really a food for thought and things to ponder in life....

Tessa on June 02, 2012:

I love Albus Percival Wilfic Brian Dumbledore and these really are some of his best quotes. :)

venkat on May 24, 2012:

Awesome collection.. I really love such inspiration whenever I'm down.. :)

Lynsey on May 24, 2012:

I actually have 'it is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities' as a tattoo. I love this quote and it is very inspirational for me. I love a lot of Dumbledore quotes. I am a massive Harry Potter fan and always will be. I feel a lot of people have not read books due to the poor adaptation (in my opinion) of the books into films so I think people should check these books out. I am grateful I did!

Anna on May 23, 2012:

This is bloody tremendous! I applaud you.

Pwncone on May 11, 2012:

Great quotes

Ashry drew on May 09, 2012:

I love the way u translate his words to real world. I hope someday there is a wise man like him in this world:)

Kristen Haynie from Scotia, CA on April 30, 2012:

Dumbledore is definitely one of my favorite fictional characters. This hub is wonderful, a great collection of some of Dumbledore's best quotes. I am a huge Harry Potter fan, and I thank you for this!

drspaniel from Somewhere, where the sun shines once a year... on April 29, 2012:

It's actually quite surprising... Not only had J.K Rowling made a series of 7 brilliant books with adventure, action and a bit of romance through-out, but she has also designed a character with a lot of wisdom too.

Dumbledore is one of the best characters in the Harry Potter series in my opinion, and these quotes can definitely be used in everyday life, to make us stronger, wiser, happier and above all loving.

Jeannie Marie from Baltimore, MD on April 29, 2012:

Oh, I just love Dumbledore. I remember him talking about only longing for a nice, warm pair of socks when Harry asked him what he saw in the mirror. Sigh.

Great hub and voted up!

Shasta Matova from USA on April 29, 2012:

These are all wonderful quotes, and you have provided great insight with them. Voted up and across the board.

Daouf on April 29, 2012:

Should've added dumbledore's engravement on the potter's headstone "the last enemy that will be conquered ia death" to the last quote in the subtext. Makes the point even clearer. Otherwise exemplary work. Thank you for sharing this.

squishy on April 10, 2012:

My own personal favorite quote by him is, "Time is making fools of us again." Every day I stop and think to myself, just take a moment out of the day and slow down because time moves so quick we sometimes forget ourselves in the hustle and bustle of it all. No one wants to be at the end of their life and ask, "Where did it all go?"

megan on March 23, 2012:

the quote about how there will come a time when we must choose between what is right and what is easy was said to harry in his dorm room by himself not to the whole school. just thought id let you know...

victor on March 17, 2012:

Theres another quote that quite slaps twilight hard on its face... Dumbledore says,

'Oh, old age, amycus, weaker resistance, slower reflexes.... one day it will happen to you, if you're lucky.' WOW!

najordan89 from Oklahoma on March 12, 2012:

I love this. My favorites are #4 and 7. Dumbledore sought power through the Elder Wand and though we may think he was suited for it, he isn't and even Dumbledore came to realize that as well. The same goes for Voldemort, too. He sought it and it eventually became his downfall.

#7 is good too, because often times we wish to take the easy route. Though it may seem easy, it could eventually hurt us. When it comes to the right route, times may be tough but if it is right, then things will work out well in the end and we will become a better person because of it.

Inna on March 10, 2012:

I am not a Harry Potter fan rather i never read it or seen a movie( although i saw previews for them.) Earlier today i came across this quote “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” And i found this is true. We recently found out a bad news and i had to remind myself to turn on the light and see the other things and not be consumed by the bad things.

Tonni Islam on March 07, 2012:

We must try not to sink beneath our anguish, Harry, but battle on.-A.D. My personal Favorite.

Jayme on March 03, 2012:

@mariagodoy What you are describing, and what has occurred in places such as China and Eastern Europe is Authoritarian Communism. Communism itself does not demand the state's interference, and it is possible for communism to be of the libertarian variety. I don't believe that communism itself is evil, and the post lends itself to hypocrisy when it states "capitalists and socialists... are all striving to make this country a better place", then goes on to say that Communism is evil.

That's the only problem I had with the post; otherwise I thought it was succinct and powerful. My own favourite Dumbledore quote is this one: "You think the dead we loved, ever truly leave us?"

Albus Dumbledore was such a great man. Sometimes I'm shocked to realise he was a product of someone's wonderful imagination.

Ephajishvili on February 20, 2012:

Dumbledore is much more to me, than just a character.

Thank you SOoooo much for these quotes!!!

Maria Godoy on February 16, 2012:

@Prongs:

Have you lived in a communist country? I know a lot of people that have lived in communists countries and they themselves say that communism is evil so how do you explain that? Is it right for a government to have complete control of where people work, study, and live. Is it right for the government to own everything and to prohibit freedom of expression? because that's what communism does. Yes in theory communism (equality of resources and all that) sounds really good but is it really equality when there is a dictator in charge of everything and that dictator is extremely rich compared to the citizens that are mostly poor? is that really equality? no is not... so i don't think he was being a hypocrite by including communism as evil...

Anna Maria on February 03, 2012:

These are great, truly inspirational. My ballet school is having a big thirty year anniversary party an everyone is supposed to write a quote to go on a collage, Im using one of Dumbledore's :)

Esraa on January 18, 2012:

Brillant!! Thank You for sharing it with us :)

kiddo on January 13, 2012:

@Valerie ; I think that quote is in book 1, about harry that's so consumed by the mirror of erise, so harry spent most his nights staring at it, hopefully to see his late parents. that's harry's dream about, be together with his parents. and in this book, harry didn't dream about voldemort yet. his scar hurts whenever he's around professor quirrell who was possessed by voldemort.

Valerie on January 04, 2012:

Very good article. But may I say that on the it doe not do well to dwell on dreams one, he meant the dream Harry had that scared him when he was sleeping, not his dream for his future life.

ligrseth12 on December 31, 2011:

thankyou so much! this was exactly what i was looking for when i searched for dubledore quotes. i absolutely LOVE harry potter, and dumbledore is one of my favourite characters, especially in the books. thanks for the comentary aswell, it helps to understand the full meanings of the quotes. xxx

Alleycat447 on December 29, 2011:

I really love Dumbledore and Harry potter I just miss them so much

kiko on October 31, 2011:

This is very well wtitten, am a big fan of harry potter and a have read the books ? dozen times each, and i know this quotes very well but you explained them beautifully :D

prongs on October 11, 2011:

in this quote

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

you wrote that evil most always be fought whether its Slavery,Nazism, Terrorism or COMMUNISM.

so explain to me how communism is evil? how can you associate communism with slavery? and how the hell can you be such a hypocrite to write this "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." right above of saying that communism is evil and saying that it needs to be fought!?

ashlynn on October 09, 2011:

one of my favorites is "help will always be given at Hogwarts, for those who ask for it"

Lisa Marie on October 05, 2011:

Beautiful insight to some very power quotes by a beloved character.

The blend of magic and real world morals in the Harry Potter series reaches beyond age,race or creedit truly is for eveyone

Kate on August 31, 2011:

i miss Harry Potter :'(