By all means continue destroying my possessions. I daresay I have too many.
J. K. RowlingRead
And sure enough, in seeking to become superhuman this foolhardy young man renders himself inhuman. The heart that he has locked away slowly shrivels and grows hair, symbolising his own descent to beasthood.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The pursuit of becoming greater can lead to losing one's humanity if not balanced with compassion.
This quote reflects on the dangers of overambition and the loss of one's essential human qualities in the quest for superiority. The young man's desire to transcend human limitations ultimately results in a detachment from his emotions and morals, leading him to a beastly state, symbolizing the importance of maintaining one's humanity and empathy even in the pursuit of greatness.
Themes
AmbitionHumanityEmotionCompassionSuperhuman
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker discussing the importance of empathy in leadership might cite this quote to emphasize the need for balance in ambition and humanity.
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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