11 Harry Potter Quotes About Adventure

Life is the greatest adventure, or so they say, but when your life is filled with the same old work, eat, sleep, repeat routine, it can seem like the greatest bore fest instead. To break up the monotony of the every day, people often look toward television, movies, and books for a chance to have an vicarious adventure, and if you grew up reading J. K. Rowling, chances are, a lot of your childhood adventures were lived through Harry Potter. Whether they are from Harry or Dumbledore or another character, Harry Potter quotes about adventure get every child (and adult) itching for some excitement of her own.

Every installment of Harry Potter featured a daring quest, a thrilling mystery, or an exciting exploit that was the stuff of childhood dreams. What kid wouldn't want to fly on a broomstick, ride on the back of a hippogriff, or fight a dragon? (OK, maybe not that last one.) The adventures Harry, Ron, and Hermione went on each book were not only exhilarating, but they were also inspiring, and growing up, they were the gateway out of my small town life and onto an adventure of my own.

Just because you're an an adult now with grown-up responsibilities doesn't mean there isn't time for adventure. Here are 11 Harry Potter quotes about adventure to help inspire you to find one of your own.

1. “To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”

― Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

To most people, the thought of dying is terrifying. Dumbledore knows, however, that if you live your life to the fullest — and live if full of love, laughter, and adventure — then death doesn't have to be scary.

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

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

See? No one can resist a little adventure, not even grown-ass wizards like Albus Dumbledore.

3. "The thing about growing up with Fred and George," said Ginny thoughtfully, "is that you sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve."

— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Thanks to some serious love and support, the Weasley children know not to cower in the face of adventure, but charge at it, full force. Not to mention, with big brothers like George and Fred, every day at the Burrow was probably like an adventure.

4. “I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me.”

― Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

If you're Harry Potter, then chances are you don't have to look very far for adventure. Rather, adventure falls into your lap, and it sometimes (OK, most of the time) means trouble.

5. “From this point forth, we shall be leaving the firm foundation of fact and journeying together through the murky marshes of memory into thickets of wildest guesswork.”

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

Not all adventures requite venturing outside. The mind, that tricky place where emotions and memories hide, can send you on the greatest adventure of your life. Just ask Harry.

6. “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.”

― Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Usually when you embark on an adventure, it goes without saying that you're up to no good, right? If only we all had a Marauders map to help us manage our mischief.

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

― Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone

People spend so much time dreaming of an adventure and not enough time actually going on one. Take Dumbledore's advice and don't dwell on your wishes — live them instead.

8. It was, he thought, the difference between being dragged into the arena to face a battle to the death and walking into the arena with your head held high. Some people, perhaps, would say that there was little to choose between the two ways, but Dumbledore knew - and so do I, thought Harry, with a rush of fierce pride, and so did my parents - that there was all the difference in the world.

— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

I know what you're thinking — another quote about death, what gives? But this quote is so much more than just death. It also expresses the idea that when you choose to face something, you have the control. Instead of waiting for an adventure to hit you on the side of the head and quite possibly bowl you over, walk into one on your own volition. You never know what can happen if you do.

9. “Curiosity is not a sin … but we should exercise caution with our curiosity.”

— Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire

Everyone knows the saying, "Curiosity killed the cat," but everyone should know this Dumbledore-ism instead. Without curiosity, how could we find an adventure, whether that be a unknown place to visit or a new food to try? Like the headmaster says, though, caution is key.

10. “What’s comin’ will come, an’ we’ll meet it when it does.”

— Hagrid, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire

On the outside, Hagrid might not seem like someone who has good advice, but he's smarter than he looks. When it comes to adventure, Hagrid isn't afraid of anything, because he knows that with good on their side and friends at at each other's backs, they can conquer anything. Bring it on.

11. “Are you feeling all right?’ Ron asked, staring at her in disbelief. ‘Now you mention it,’ said Hermione happily, ‘d’you know … I think I’m feeling a bit … rebellious.”

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Yes, even the goody two-shoes of the world have an adventurous steak in her. The next time you're second guessing your next opportunity for adventure, just ask yourself: what would Hermione do?

Images: Warner Bros.; Giphy (11)