11 Inspirational Harry Potter-Isms

If you’re a Harry Potter fan who hasn’t yet heard of the "Potter It Forward" movement, now is definitely the time to jump on that bandwagon. Fueled by über-appreciative readers of the beloved series, the Potter It Forward campaign encourages Harry Potter fans everywhere to leave thoughtful and inspiring notes in library and used bookstore copies of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling titles, for future readers to find. (OK sure, we all grew up learning that writing in library books is bad, but I think we can agree to make an exception here.) The movement even has its own hashtag, as we all know truly great movements do.

Personally I’m kind of in love with the idea of pay it forward literary inspiration. Plus, there’s just something in particular about Harry Potter that makes readers feel a little extra inspired. Even if you’re not the most diehard Potterhead, it’s hard not to give in to all the feel-good, you-can-do-it quotes the series has to offer. And is it any surprise that the vast majority of inspirational Harry Potter quotes were spoken by Albus Dumbledore? I think not.

Here are 11 quotes from Harry Potter that will inspire you to greatness. Read and then #PotterItForward.

1. "It is our choices that show us what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

—Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

2. “It matters not what someone was born, but what they grow to be.”

—Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

3. “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 bothern’ with.’”

—Rubeus Hagrid, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

4. “We are all human, aren’t we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving.”

—Kingsley Shacklebolt, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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

—Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

6. “Don't let the Muggles get you down.”

—Ron Weasley, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

7. “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.”

—Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

8. “I mean, it's sort of exciting isn't it? Breaking the rules.”

—Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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

—Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

10. “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that.”

—Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

11. “Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.”

—Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Image: Warner Bros.; giphy (12)