This past weekend was probably full of barbecues and boats for most people, but for me (because of unfortunate circumstances) it was full of the annual Harry Potter marathon on Freeform (previously known as ABC Family). This weekend really made me remember how much I love Harry Potter and its deeper meaning. Harry Potter is a series everyone knows and loves, but some don’t realize the little lessons that these books can teach you, more specifically, that Professor Dumbledore can teach you.

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

This quote by Dumbledore emphasizes how hard it is to defy your friends and do something that may make them upset while it is easy to fight with your enemies. To most, your friends are an extension of your family, making it really hard to go against them, but when Neville Longbottom stood up to Harry, Ron, and Hermione to do the right thing, he showed us that it is possible, but you need courage.

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

In this quote, Dumbledore is expressing how what actions you choose to do are more important than those you could do. Harry Potter and other powerful wizards had the ability to do harm yet chose to do good for the wizarding world.

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

This shows that regardless of the circumstances that you are born into, you have the ability to change your future and take hold of your destiny. Not everyone is fortunate enough to be born into a great family where opportunities are served on a platter, so it is important to figure out where you belong and find your own opportunities.

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

Here, Dumbledore has basically drummed up his own version of the whole ‘live in the moment’ type inspiration. It is important to dream, but it is just as important not to get so caught up in them that you forget about the present.

“But you know, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

This is by far my favorite quote by Dumbledore. This means that even if you are going through hard times, you can find something good if you really try. It is extremely important to always look at the positive side of things when life is going downhill because that is all that you really have.

Overall, Professor Dumbledore is probably one of the most underrated characters of all time. The wisdom that he gives Harry and the other Hogwarts students throughout the Harry Potter series help them defeat Voldemort and thrive as a community. As shown above, this wisdom can be applied to our muggle lives as well. As nerdy as this may sound, Professor Dumbledore’s quotes have surprisingly taught me a lot throughout my childhood. So, thank you Professor Dumbledore, you’ll ALWAYS be my favorite professor.