The Financial Philosopher: Quotes and Lessons from Harry Potter

"As much money and life as one could want! The two things most human beings would choose above all -- the trouble is, humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them." ~ Albus Dumbledore to Harry in Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone

Today's final episode of the Harry Potter series of movies brings with it mixed emotions for my family. I saw the first movie, Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone, with my sister and wife when it was first released in theaters in 2001, which is also the year my oldest son was born.

Little did I know at the time that six more books and subsequent films would be released and that I would enjoy them all with my wife and two children through the years. Reading the books to my sons at night has become quite a bonding experience as we lay there and ponder the imaginary world of wizardry and witchcraft created by J.K. Rowling. We also gave (and continue to give) great reflection to the timeless philosophy and lessons presented in the books.

The underlying themes of the importance and rewards of love, friendship, perserverance, self-awareness and contentment abound in the Harry Potter stories and have created a bridge that has crossed and connected generations of families and friends; Harry Potter goes beyond the books, the films and the author: It is a cause for introspection and the reflection of human nature and the timeless struggle between the forces of good and evil in us all.

Without further ado, here are just a few of my favorite quotes and passages from the Harry Potter books (and films):

It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. ~ Spoken by Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. ~ Spoken by Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

You can exist without your soul, you know, as long as your brain and heart are still working. But you'll have no sense of self anymore, no memory, no....anything. There's no chance at all of recovery. You'll just exist. As an empty shell. ~ Remus Lupin to Harry in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

The consequences of our actions are so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed. ~ Spoken by Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals. ~ Spoken by Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open. ~ Albus Dumbledore to Hogwart's students in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Indeed, your failure to understand that there are things much worse than death has always been your greatest weakness. ~ Dumbledore to Voldemort, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Youth cannot know how age thinks and feels. But old men are guilty if they forget what it was to be young. ~ Spoken by Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more. ~ Spoken by Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

There is no wonder why the original title of the first book was "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." The word philosopher was changed to sorcerer so it would have greater commercial appeal.

Enjoy Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part II but I highly recommend reading the books. As usual, there is greater depth into the minds and philosophies of the characters. I continue to be amazed by J.K. Rowlings imagination and gift for transferring thoughts to paper.

Do you have any favorite quotes or memories of the Harry Potter series? What about other books in the past such as those from J.R.R Tolkien (Lord of the Rings series) or of C.S. Lewis (Lion, Witch & Wardrobe series)?

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