The 5 Most Important Lessons I’ve Learned From The ‘Harry Potter’ Series

After reading the Harry Potter series for the first time, I realized two things: (1) I’m definitely a ‘Potter’ fan for life, and (2) there are so many life lessons interspersed between the characters and the story. While Harry Potter is a fictional series, In many ways, it’s also non-fiction, as the lessons that one takes from inside the stories can be applied to one’s own life.

Here are five of the most prevalent ones:

1. It’s important to talk about things.

So often in our lives, we refrain from talking about things that make us seem weak, but vulnerability is not weakness. By being afraid to say Voldemort’s name, it seemed as though Rowling believed the same thing when Dumbledore told Harry for the first time to call him by his real name.

By giving things that scare us a name, we are minimizing its power over us.

2. Face your fears.

Throughout the entire series, the main characters are constantly pushing themselves to achieve new heights and lengths, stretching their comfort zones no matter how scary it may be. But whether it’s facing a giant spider or going after the life that you’ve always dreamt of, we can all take a lesson from the characters in the books.

3. It’s okay to break the rules. a

As long as you’re not breaking the law, that is. While society may enforce certain rules and guidelines on success and happiness, perhaps the real functions of those terms are about living by your own rules, not the ones created by others. Don’t be afraid to scribble outside the lines and craft the life that you desire.

4. Death isn’t something to be feared.

Prevalent throughout the stories is the constant lingering of death. Harry and his friends are constantly placed in situations where they are inches away from the notion. While many of us don’t face the same scary feats in our day to day lives, it’s important to recognize that anything can happen at any time. It’s a privilege to be here, now, in this moment, so enjoy it fully, because this life is temporary no matter how you may look at it—and that is a blessing in disguise.

5. Love is the ultimate answer.

Towards yourself, your relationships, and the ones that you love. It’s the hallmark in everything you do and will determine the way your life feels on the inside. As long as your love within fills your life with the things and people that fulfill it, your life will always be one that’s well-lived.

As was written in the Deathly Hallows part 2, “Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.” I tend to agree with this statement.