Skip to content

Someday," said the Boy-Who-Lived, "when the distant…

“Someday," said the Boy-Who-Lived, "when the distant descendants of Homo sapiens are looking back over the history of the galaxy and wondering how it all went so wrong, they will conclude that the original mistake was when someone taught Hermione Granger how to read.” quote by Eliezer Yudkowsky
Download Open image
““Someday," said the Boy-Who-Lived, "when the distant descendants of Homo sapiens are looking back over the history of the galaxy and wondering how it all went so wrong, they will conclude that the original mistake was when someone taught Hermione Granger how to read.””

Eliezer Yudkowsky

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote satulates that teaching critical literacy to a powerful figure could lead to disastrous outcomes for civilization.

In simple terms: Teaching reading to a powerful figure may cause catastrophe.

Key Takeaway

Beware of empowering those who could misuse knowledge.

Themes

knowledge power responsibility

Mood

cautious speculative

Type

cautionary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education policy
  • technology development
  • political leadership

Key Concepts

literacy cognitive risk future societies

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards can prevent misuse of knowledge?
  • How does literacy affect power dynamics?
A Different Perspective

If the figure uses knowledge wisely, the outcome could be positive.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Eliezer Yudkowsky

Explore all 274 Eliezer Yudkowsky quotes

More Harry potter quotes

Browse all 692 Harry potter quotes