Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Quotes

Context

If the line were phrased, "Who cares what you were when you were born… you're awesome now!" we might have attributed it to Ron Weasley. Or Neville Longbottom, maybe.

But, given the grandiose tone and intricate phrasing, it could only have been said by one Professor Albus Dumbledore.

Surprisingly, it's is not part of a motivational lecture to Harry to get him to believe in himself. It's actually spoken to Cornelius Fudge, the curmudgeonly Minister of Magic, who believes that muggles and mudbloods (humans and those who are half-human, half-wizard, respectively) are inferior to those with magic coursing through all of their veins.

Dumbledore insists that it doesn't really matter who a person's parents were, or what their lineage looks like, or how much natural talent they may possess. Instead, it's important to focus on growing whatever talent is there because "mighty oaks from little acorns grow."  

Okay, he didn't say that part. You can't claim all the good lines, Alby.

Where you've heard it

You may have read the line in the book. Or heard some paraphrasing of it in the movie. Or seen it in a piece of fan fiction, or in a graphic novel, or on a handmade quilt. Maybe in an online quiz.

There are some serious Potterheads out there, so no doubt you've seen/heard this line floating around somewhere. Sort of like a Dementor that goes drifting along and won't be happy until it's sucked dry every ounce of human happiness.

Well, like that, but less depressing. Much less depressing.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

When Dumbledore says it, it's wise. When you say it, it's pretentious. But we like the sentiment, so we'll keep it to a 9.