How to Endure Anything: Lessons from Nietzsche and Harry Potter
Timeless wisdom in two minutes or less.
He Who Has a Why
There’s a quote that’s been circling in my mind this week, one that feels like it holds the secret to both survival and finding meaning in life. It’s by Friedrich Nietzsche:
“He who has a ‘why’ for which to live can bear with almost any ‘how.’”
Let’s take a moment to sit with that.
The Power of a “Why”
What draws me to this quote is its raw, undeniable truth. This is where our power comes from: having a mission. A goal. A reason for being. With it, you can move mountains.
When we have a “why” before us, our struggles become bearable—even meaningful. The setbacks don’t crush us; they shape us. The mundane becomes sacred, and our suffering transforms into something storyworthy.
During our darkest times, this “why” can be the difference between giving up and pressing on. Maybe your "why" is your children, your partner, or the unique gifts you bring to the world. Whatever it is, it’s your anchor. It holds you steady through the storm.
Even Dumbledore Knew
I was raised on the Harry Potter books. They shaped me during my childhood and continue to inspire me as an adult. This feels like one of those times when Dumbledore’s wisdom comes through loud and clear.
There’s a moment in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban that ties perfectly into this idea. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore says:
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
Two books later, Harry channels this wisdom during a moment when everything looks bleak, and a full-scale war looms. He tells his friends, “...even though we’ve got a fight ahead of us, we’ve got one thing that Voldemort doesn’t have. Something worth fighting for.”
That’s it, isn’t it? When you have something worth fighting for, there is almost nothing you can’t do. Your purpose becomes your power.
The Pursuit of Meaning
Looking back on my own life, I realize that the happiest times weren’t defined by fleeting joy or ecstasy. They were the moments when I was working toward something meaningful.
It’s the pursuit—the grind, the challenges, the failures, and the moments of doubt—that fills life with color. Without a “why,” our suffering feels like torture. But with one, suffering feels like progress. Every setback becomes a lesson. Every hardship becomes a chapter in our story.
Finding Your Why
If you’re feeling stuck or like life has lost its spark, this might be the missing piece. You need to find your “why.” Without it, the tank stays empty. The fire goes out. But when you find it, it’s like hitting oil in the ground—an endless source of energy.
So, I want to ask you a question:
What is your “why”?
What keeps you going when things get hard? What’s worth suffering for? Is it providing for your family? A mission to serve others? A dream so big it scares you? I’d love to hear your thoughts—please share in the comments.
Turn on the Light
Nietzsche’s quote isn’t just a philosophical thought experiment. It’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that no matter how dark things get, the strength to move forward comes from having a reason for being.
So, this week, I encourage you to turn on the light. Reflect on your “why.” Strengthen it. Fight for it. And let it remind you that even in the darkest times, you have what it takes to endure and to create a life that feels worth living.
Let’s make it happen.
With purpose,
- Dante
You may want to read Victor Frankl‘s book, Man’s Search for Meaning, if you have not already read it. I think you will appreciate this quotation: “What was really needed was a fundamental change in our attitude toward life. We had to learn ourselves and, furthermore, we had to teach the despairing men, that it did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. . . .”
I loved this post Dante. My sister & I grew up as huge Harry Potter fans and this is such a great combo of great philosophy with some childhood nostalgia. I loved what you said here: 'Without a “why,” our suffering feels like torture. But with one, suffering feels like progress.' -- I've never thought about it that way, especially the 'suffering feels like progress' (if you have a why). Looking forward to more!!