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There is no good and evil, there is only power and those too weak to seek it.
J. K. Rowling
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that morality is subjective and that power is the ultimate goal, indicating that only the strong pursue it.

In this quote, J.K. Rowling conveys a perspective that challenges traditional notions of good and evil, implying that these concepts are not absolute but rather constructs of power dynamics. It suggests that individuals who do not seek power are inherently weak, and thus, power becomes the driving force behind human actions and decisions, overshadowing moral considerations.

Themes

PowerMoralityStrengthPhilosophyGoodEvil

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate about leadership styles, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of power.

More from J. K. Rowling

By all means continue destroying my possessions. I daresay I have too many.
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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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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.
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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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