By all means continue destroying my possessions. I daresay I have too many.
J. K. RowlingRead
One of the many things I learned at the end of that Classics corridor down which I ventured at the age of 18, in search of something I could not then define, was this, written by the Greek author Plutarch: What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality. That is an astonishing statement and yet proven a thousand times every day of our lives. It expresses, in part, our inescapable connection with the outside world, the fact that we touch other people’s lives simply by existing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our inner achievements and thoughts influence our external reality and interactions with others.
This quote by J.K. Rowling reflects on the profound impact of our internal world on the external one. By sharing insights from Plutarch, she highlights the importance of personal growth and self-awareness in shaping our experiences and relationships with others. As we cultivate our inner lives, we inevitably affect those around us, demonstrating the interconnectedness of human experience and the power of individual transformation.
Themes
Inner AchievementOuter RealityTransformationConnectionInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, I might share this quote to emphasize the importance of self-improvement.
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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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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