By all means continue destroying my possessions. I daresay I have too many.
J. K. RowlingRead
What must strike any intelligent witch or wizard on studying the so-called history of the Elder Wand is that every man who claims to have owned it has insisted that it is "unbeatable," when the known facts of its passage through many owners' hands demonstrate that has it not only been beaten hundreds of times, but that it also attracts trouble as Grumble the Grubby Goat attracted flies.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the fallacy of believing in absolute power, emphasizing that perceived invincibility can lead to trouble.
J.K. Rowling's quote about the Elder Wand serves as a metaphor for the dangers of seeking power without acknowledging its consequences. It illustrates how claims of being unbeatable are often contradicted by reality, as history shows that power can change hands frequently and invites trouble, similar to how an attraction for trouble parallels that of a goat attracting flies. Ultimately, it encourages a deeper understanding of the nature of power and the pitfalls associated with it.
Themes
PowerTroubleHistoryElder WandInvincibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about leadership, this quote can illustrate the risks of seeking power without foresight.
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
Similar quotes
It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God.
George WashingtonRead
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
Alexander PopeRead
All wars are boyish, and are fought by boys.
Herman MelvilleRead
When you wonder about the mystery of yourself, look to Christ, who gives you the meaning of life. When you wonder what it means to be a mature person, look to Christ, who is the fulfillness of humanity. And when you wonder about your role in the future of the world look to Christ.
Pope John Paul IiRead
Ah," said Mr Pin. "Right. I remember. You are concerned citizens." He knew about concerned citizens. Wherever they were, they all spoke the same private language, where 'traditional values' meant 'hang someone'.
Terry PratchettRead
What? Was man made a wheel-work to wind up, And be discharged, and straight wound up anew? No! grown, his growth lasts; taught, he ne'er forgets: May learn a thousand things, not twice the same.
Robert BrowningRead