By all means continue destroying my possessions. I daresay I have too many.
J. K. RowlingRead
... you could claim that anything's real if the only basis for believing in it is that nobody's proved it doesn't exist!
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that beliefs should not be accepted simply because they lack disproof, emphasizing the importance of evidence in establishing reality.
In this quote, J. K. Rowling argues that it is insufficient to accept something as real or true solely based on the absence of evidence against it. This perspective encourages critical thinking and highlights the necessity of substantial proof to validate beliefs, rather than relying on mere speculation or assumptions.
Themes
BeliefEvidenceTruthRealityPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about the existence of extraterrestrial life, this quote can highlight the necessity of proof.
More from J. K. Rowling
All quotes →Where are you heading, if you’ve got the choice?” James lifted an invisible sword. “‘Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!’ Like my dad.” Snape made a small, disparaging noise. James turned on him. “Got a problem with that?” “No,” said Snape, though his slight sneer said otherwise. “If you’d rather be brawny than brainy —” “Where’re you hoping to go, seeing as you’re neither?” interjected Sirius.
J. K. RowlingRead
Depression isn't just being a bit sad. It's feeling nothing. It's not wanting to be alive anymore.
J. K. RowlingRead
I tell you, that dragon's the most horrible animal I've ever met, but the way Hagrid goes on about it, you'd think it was a fluffy little bunny rabbit.
J. K. RowlingRead
Imagine losing fingernails, Harry! That really puts our sufferings into perspective, doesn't it?
J. K. RowlingRead
The consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed.
J. K. RowlingRead
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