By all means continue destroying my possessions. I daresay I have too many.
J. K. RowlingRead
When we come face-to-face with one down a dark alley, we're going to be having a shufti to see if it's solid, aren't we, we're not going to be asking, 'Excuse me, are you the imprint of a departed soul?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the human tendency to seek tangible proof rather than abstract concepts when faced with the unknown.
In this quote, J.K. Rowling suggests that when confronted with uncertainty or potential danger, individuals instinctively look for concrete evidence of reality rather than engaging in speculative or metaphysical inquiries. The mention of a 'shufti' implies a practical approach to assessing situations, emphasizing that our survival instincts prioritize what is real and immediate over philosophical or contemplative considerations.
Themes
RealityUncertaintyEvidencePhilosophyHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about trust and safety in unfamiliar situations, you might use this quote to illustrate the need for tangible evidence.
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.
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Depression isn't just being a bit sad. It's feeling nothing. It's not wanting to be alive anymore.
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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.
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Imagine losing fingernails, Harry! That really puts our sufferings into perspective, doesn't it?
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The consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed.
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