By all means continue destroying my possessions. I daresay I have too many.
J. K. RowlingRead
However my parents - both of whom came from impoverished backgrounds and neither of whom had been to college, took the view that my overactive imagination was an amusing quirk that would never pay a mortgage or secure a pension.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the tension between creativity and practical expectations in life.
J.K. Rowling illustrates the struggles faced by those with artistic aspirations, particularly when their families emphasize the importance of financial security and traditional paths. Her parents, having experienced hardship, viewed her imaginative spirit skeptically, highlighting the conflict between pursuing one's passions and the societal pressure to achieve conventional success.
Themes
ImaginationCreativityEducationFamilyExpectations
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of creativity in education.
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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Wonder implies the desire to learn.
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The most profound lessons about journalism I've learned have been taught to me by the people I've covered.
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Think about being a teenager and feeling like school is just about taking tests you may or may not be interested in, after which someone will judge whether or not you're smart. No one's going to be inspired by that.
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Avoid compulsion and let early education be a matter of amusement. Young children learn by games; compulsory education cannot remain in the soul.
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LECTURER, n. One with his hand in your pocket, his tongue in your ear and his faith in your patience.
Ambrose BierceRead