The entire Harry Potter series didn’t just take us in a magical world, but also touched our hearts with its captivating story that sparked many different emotions. It’s filled with life lessons that covers every aspect of life– from friendship, family, love, death, and everything in between. But if there’s one thing Harry Potter knows a thing or two about, it’s definitely how to handle a real adventure. As an ode to the series (and my love of adventure), I’ve broken down 20 real life lessons that Harry Potter has given us about adventures, life, and the world.
1.) Adventure isn’t something to be afraid of.
Harry Potter may be the chosen one, but you don’t need a prophecy to tell you that adventure is out there waiting. Harry was just an average, ordinary boy from the Muggle world and if a boy like him can live an adventure none of us can top, then we sure as hell can get out of our comfort zone. His friends lived an adventure as well, proving us that you don’t need to be destined to chase an adventure of a lifetime.
2.) Trust no bitch.
3.) Not everything in this magical world is quite what it seems.
With all that trust issues said, Harry Potter also taught us that what appears superficially isn’t always determinant of people’s character. Hagrid, for instance, is a very intimidating giant who happens to be such a sweetheart. This is also not limited to physical appearances. Places can seem so magical, yet so damaged at the same time. People can seem a certain way but can be a complete opposite of that. And let’s not even about Snape.
4.) Racism is a terrifying thing and it does exist.
Hate and racism sometimes goes hand in hand. We have Hitler in history to prove that, and we also have our modern day Voldemorts. But whether it’s pure bloods vs “mudbloods” (excuse my language), white vs minorities, or christians vs muslims, one thing remains the same– it’s all fueled by pure hatred. And it’s a scary, scary thing.
5.) Home is anywhere you want it to be.
6.) It’s okay to ask for help.
Harry wouldn’t have succeeded in his final battles if it weren’t for his friends and support system. He’s shown us that there’s nothing wrong with being vulnerable, or to ask for directions if you’re a little lost. We’re humans. It’s okay to feel the need to be rescued sometimes.
7.) But sometimes, you gotta do things on your own.
Yes, Harry had the full support of his friends and elders throughout the series. But many times, including when he faced the Hungarian Long Tail Dragon and when he had the one on one battle with The Dark Lord, he was completely on his own. Sometimes in life, all we’ve got is ourselves. And who needs a Voldemort when we’ve got responsibilities to face.
8.) The true magic is believing in yourself.
9.) It’s okay to break the rules sometimes.
Sometimes, it’s necessary. And when we’re lucky, those adventures could be one our most memorable experiences. Harry Potter doesn’t really advocate it, but he sure as hell broke a lot of rules. Being such a goody two shoes is just too basic. So color outside the lines. Don’t listen to what society tells you. Free the damn nipple. #MischiefManaged
10.) Insurance will save your life.
11.) Chocolate heals.
12.) Hate is a strong force, but love is more powerful.
Hate indeed can be a very frightening thing, but love is the most powerful weapon, as proven by Lily’s love for Harry. At the end of the day, love can conquer even the strongest of all monsters.
13.) Loyalty is everything.
14.) The mask you put on will eventually wear off and people will realize who you truly are.
15.) Fear is nothing but a state of mind.
16.) Stand up for what you believe in.
Hermoine hated how house elves were treated so she founded The Society For The Promotion Of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W.) to fight for their rights. Whether you’re against animal captivity, sex trafficking, child abuse, or whatever issue it may be, stand up for it! You don’t have to go all out and start knitting socks for distribution. You can start by spreading awareness.
17.) Take note of cultural differences.
Hermoine’s passionate effort for S.P.E.W. kind of backfired when the elves actually took it the wrong way because they actually enjoyed working at Hogwarts all along. We’ve got to remember how the world is such a big place and that cultures differ from one another. Don’t make assumptions and judgments, but learn instead.
18.) Trust your instincts.
Other than using Hermoine’s brain and knowledge, the trio had to rely on their instincts too to tackle some of their adventures. It’s simply the best tool there is.
19.) You don’t have to be extraordinary to do extraordinary things.
20.) Magic is something you make.
You can’t change your past, but you sure as hell can change your future. You’re in control of your life and it’s up to you how you’re going to live it. Forget what society says and ignore the doubts in your head. Find your courage, build your strategy, and make shit happen. So travel far and wide. Chase the wildest adventures. Do what you love the most. After all, you’re never too old to believe in magic.
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I loved this Erica, there’s something about GIFs that really bring posts like this to life. Harry Potter really did teach us a lot about life and world adventures but it wasn’t until reading this that I realised it 🙂 There are many themes through the books and movies that you mentioned that really resonate with me, especially about fear and believing in yourself because because they can often stop people from travelling and achieving everything they want in life. May Potter live on 😉
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Such a creative and enlightening perspective! Makes me want to dive back into those books!
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I can tell that you worked hard on this post. I love it! I’m a huge Harry Potter fan. I followed the franchise very closely. I definitely enjoyed this post. I love how you shared how much you’ve learned from the Harry Potter movies. I find it amazing how we can learn important lessons from the most random sources. lol Thank you for sharing! Keep it up.
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It’s okay to break the rules sometimes….as long as it’s Worth it! Who cares! (#Lekeleo ‘s Theory) Can’t deny you simply touched every nook and cranny of the Harry Potter brand. Also taking time to relate it to life experience is remarkable! Keep shinning, Erica like Harry’s magic!
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Lol, love this post!! So many great things to live by! #1 is my favorite–Adventure isn’t something to be afraid of 🙂 I have to be honest though, I’ve never read or watched Harry Potter…I’m thinking it might be about time, haha!
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Actually I have never watched any of the movies, so I was not always sure what you refer to but at the end we should go out and do what needs to be done to make us happy (as long as it does not hurt others) 😉
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Nice article! I hope to read more astute observations from you! XD
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Lovely post! My kid loves Harry Potter movies and she was reading this post alongwith me. She too agrees with these lessons Harry Potter gives.
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I absolutely love these life lessons. All are accurate and can be applied to the challenges that life throws at us. Harry Potter is close to my heart and my kids’ hearts too.
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All strong life lessons to live by, I personally like “Chocolate Heals”. I have not seen the movie or read the books, but I’m intrigued 🙂
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Yes! Agree with you. I trust no bitch even close friend can turn against us because of some small benefits. Anyway this is a good tips and reminder to myself.
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Even though I never read any of the books (I know, shame on me!), these life lessons are definitely great for everyone to live by! Great reminders 🙂
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Fun and creative post plus I loved watching all the movie scenes. I am a big HP fan! 😉
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Good learning from Harry potter.Love the Harry potter movies but have not read his books yet.
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Hate is a strong force, but love is more powerful. I think that recaps the whole Harry Potter. It’s always been love that has saved Harry countless of times. There are indeed a lot of realistic lessons we get in the magical world.
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In every movies I watch at end all have a nice suggestions and lessons. And Harry Potter is the movie that you can share it with your children regardless what level..
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Quotes like this render me speechless when I hear them being said. I just saw cows, this is :On This island.”
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This is so cute! Especially number 11. Chocolate always makes everything better! 😉
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Very fun and creative! I love Harry Potter and this post is great. Many life lessons and I think love is more powerful than hatred is something we all need to remember right now. Thanks for sharing!
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Hahaha!!! Never thought of life lessons and Harry Potter in the same canvas…. Very interesting post indeed…
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wonderful post! chocolate does heal!:)
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These are all great take aways from Harry Potter. As a huge fan I can agree we can learn so much from every book and movie.
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This is such a great post, everything you’ve said is so true! (I’m a huge Harry Potter fan!)
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I love #19: You don’t have to be extraordinary to do extraordinary things. So good to remember!
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i grew up with harry potter.. i could say we really could learn alot from it.. 🙂
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Love how you used Harry Potter as a reference, it’s one of my favorite book series as a child
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I love the last #20…
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