Roald Dahl quotes have a spellbinding way of igniting our imagination and reminding us of life’s magic. The beloved author’s inspirational quotes & sayings weave recurring themes of possibility, wonder, goodness, and appreciating the extraordinary in the ordinary.
People renowned Dahl for classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and many more. His wildly popular books for children and adults alike overflow with quotable lines that stick like burrs.
Let’s explore some of Roald Dahl’s most memorable quotes – mined from the pages of his extraordinary books. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his delightfully offbeat worlds, let these words awaken your childlike curiosity and remind you of life’s true magic.
Unlocking the Wildly Imaginative World of Roald Dahl
As any fan knows, Dahl’s writing shines for its rich visuals and clever wordplay, which transport readers to fantastical realms. His quotes possess that same flair for awakening our sense of adventure and expectation for the extraordinary to manifest.
These Roald Dahl quotes are joyful reminders to remain curious about life’s boundless possibilities.
Roald Dahl Quotes: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Dahl filled this beloved classic about a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory with imaginative visuals and life lessons. The quotes highlight themes of luck, goodness, and savoring life’s sweetest moments.
However small the chance might be of striking lucky, the chance is there. The chance had to be there.
-Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
No matter how slim the odds may seem, there’s always a chance for good fortune. Even the most minuscule possibility exists, and that’s what truly matters.
The quote oozes an optimistic spirit, encouraging readers to embrace life’s glimmer of hope.
Dahl’s whimsical writing style brings this sentiment to life in a charming way. He paints a picture of Charlie, a boy from humble beginnings, clinging to the dream of winning a golden ticket.
Despite the long shot, he perseveres, fueled by the belief that his chance is out there, waiting to be seized.
Dahl’s words resonate beyond the confines of the story, serving as a reminder never to underestimate the power of possibility. We often face challenges and obstacles that may seem insurmountable daily. Yet, this quote inspires us to keep our eyes peeled for that sliver of opportunity, no matter how small.
It reminds us to embrace optimism and never give up on our dreams, for the chance is always present, waiting for us to grasp it.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
So shines a good deed in a weary world.
-Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
A single act of kindness can light up the dreariest of places. In a world worn down by troubles, a good deed shines like a beacon, cutting through the gloom. It’s a ray of sunshine peeking through the clouds on a stormy day. A good deed can uplift spirits and spread warmth, no matter how weary the world may seem.
Just imagine a kid from a hard-luck family suddenly winning the grand prize—a lifetime supply of chocolate! That’s the stuff dreams are made of. The boy’s face would’ve lit up brighter than a thousand-watt bulb.
A good deed like that can change someone’s outlook on life, filling them with hope and joy. It’s like a magical spell that melts away worries, if only for a little while.
Good deeds are reminders that there’s still light in the darkness, still kindness in a harsh world. They give us something to believe in when cynicism threatens to take over. So spread those deeds far and wide! Let them shine like fireflies at night, leading to a sweeter, more wondrous world.
Roald Dahl Quotes: Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
The sequel finds Charlie and his family embarking on a wildly entertaining space adventure after a transporting tube mishap. These Roald Dahl quotes capture the childlike wonder of new experiences and avoiding the pitfalls of overthinking.
You’ll never get anywhere if you go about what-iffing like that.
-Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
This quote reminds us not to get bogged down with hypothetical “what if” questions. Constantly asking yourself, “What if this happens?” or “What if that happens?” will prevent you from taking action and making progress.
If Charlie had spent all his time wondering, “What if the great glass elevator crashes?” or “What if we get lost in space?” he would have never experienced the incredible adventure that unfolds. Asking too many “what if” questions leads to inaction, indecision, and staying stuck in one place.
Even if you don’t have all the answers, moving forward beats getting paralyzed by hypothetical scenarios. Make a decision and adjust as you go rather than endlessly weighing every possible outcome beforehand. Taking that first step is crucial to accomplishing your goals.
The quote encourages us to be decisive instead of mired in “what-iffing.” Don’t let hypothetical fears and doubts keep you from seeking new experiences and opportunities. Have courage, take calculated risks, and see where the journey leads.
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
We have so much time and so little to do. Strike that, reverse it.
-Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
At first glance, this seems like an ordinary statement about having too much free time on our hands. But then Dahl flips the script with that “strike that, reverse it” line. Suddenly, we realize he’s saying the opposite – we have too little time for everything we need to accomplish.
It’s a playful reminder not to waste the precious time we’re given. Our responsibilities, goals, and adventures jam-pack our lives, waiting for us to seize them. Whether it’s work, raising a family, pursuing hobbies, or just squeezing in some fun, something always needs our attention.
The quote has a delightful, tongue-in-cheek quality that mirrors the magical world of Charlie’s journey. It prods us to step back, ditch the procrastination, and make the most of every minute.
After all, as the saying goes, time flies – so we better hop aboard before it leaves us behind!
Roald Dahl Quotes: James and the Giant Peach
After being orphaned, young James escapes his miserable aunts by embarking on a mind-bending journey inside a magical oversized peach. These quotes speak to the power of dreams and having an insatiably inquisitive spirit.
Well, maybe it started that way. As a dream, but doesn’t everything? Those buildings. These lights. This whole city. Somebody had to dream about it first. And maybe that is what I did. I dreamed about coming here, but then I did it.
-James and the Giant Peach
Ever wonder where great ideas come from? This quote explains how the boldest dreams can materialize into reality.
It all starts with a spark of imagination, a tiny flicker that ignites within our minds. Like James envisioning his fantastic journey, every groundbreaking invention or awe-inspiring creation was once a dream.
Imagine the first person who dreamed of soaring through the skies like a bird. While others laughed, that dreamer persisted, tinkering and tweaking until their vision took flight as the first airplane. Or the visionary who imagined vibrant moving pictures, paving the way for the movies we enjoy today.
We’d be in the ordinary without audacious dreamers willing to transform their wildest thoughts into action.
The quote reminds us that nothing is impossible if we dare to dream big. Our minds are powerful enough to conjure entire universes. All it takes is believing in that initial whimsical idea, no matter how far-fetched it seems.
Who’s to say the next revolutionary breakthrough isn’t already brewing in someone’s imagination? Maybe it’s simmering in your moment, just waiting to be unleashed upon the world.
James and the Giant Peach
There are a whole lot of things in this world of ours you haven’t started wondering about yet.
-James and the Giant Peach
There’s an entire universe waiting to be explored. Adventures lie ahead, just around the corner. The quote reminds us that we’ve only scratched the surface of all the mind-blowing wonders this world offers. It’s a wake-up call, urging us to stay curious and open our eyes to fresh experiences.
Imagine all the sights you haven’t seen, the exotic flavors you’ve yet to taste, and the fascinating cultures waiting to be discovered.
Every day brings new opportunities to be amazed if we embrace them with open arms. The mysteries of the cosmos, the depths of the oceans, the marvels of nature—an endless list of things.
This quote celebrates the thirst for more knowledge and the desire to push boundaries. It prods us to break free from our routines and dive headfirst into the unknown.
Roald Dahl Quotes: Matilda
The tale of a girl mistreated by her crass parents who discovers her psychokinetic abilities contains quotes encouraging virtuous living and rejecting intellectual constraints.
If you are good, life is good.
-Matilda
This quote from Matilda suggests that being a good person attracts goodness into your life. It’s like a boomerang effect—send out positivity and kindness, and they’ll come zinging right back at you!
The vibe you give off is the vibe you’ll get in return.
If you’re a grumpy old grump who’s rude to everyone, people will treat you the same way. You reap what you sow, as they say.
But if you go around with a sunny disposition, lending a hand, and being an all-around upstanding citizen, you’ll find that life seems…brighter. Doors open more quickly, strangers smile instead of scowl, and opportunities seem to fall into your lap. It’s not magic, but positive energy is powerfully contagious.
Of course, life can sometimes throw curveballs nobody’s way, no matter how nice you are. But approaching the world with goodness in your heart keeps you buoyant through the rough patches. You’re centered, content, and seeing the light ahead.
Badness drags you down into bitterness and despair. Goodness, though? Goodness lifts you and makes the whole journey happier and more fulfilling. Just ask Matilda – she may have had a rougher start than most kids, but her inner light shone so bright that she couldn’t be dimmed.
Matilda
Don’t worry about the bits you can’t understand. Sit back and allow the words to wash around you, like music.
-Matilda
Just like a soothing tune, words can transport us to different realms. They can evoke emotions, spark our imaginations, and create a sense of wonder. Matilda reminds us to savor the moments when words flow like a gentle stream, caressing our souls with their essence.
Rather than getting bogged down by the parts we don’t grasp, she invites us to bask in the overall experience, letting the words wash over us, cleansing us of our worries and doubts.
Matilda’s quote gently nudges us to embrace letting go in a world that often demands perfection and complete understanding. It reminds us to appreciate the journey, even when we can’t see the destination.
By allowing ourselves to get lost in the rhythm of life’s melodies, we open ourselves up to new perspectives, fresh insights, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty surrounding us.
Roald Dahl Quotes: The Witches
Drawing from folktales, this darkly comedic fantasy follows a young English boy and his grandmother battling secret societies of evil witches. The quotes underscore messages about inner beauty.
It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like, so long as somebody loves you.
-The Witches
This heartwarming line speaks volumes about the true essence of love and acceptance. It reminds us that outward appearances hold little significance when genuine affection blossoms. Whether you’re tall or short, young or old, love possesses an extraordinary power to transcend superficial traits.
At its core, the quote celebrates unconditional love – that unwavering force that embraces us for who we genuinely are, not merely how we look. It’s a great reminder that your physical attributes fade into insignificance when someone truly cares for you.
Beauty, after all, lies far beneath the surface.
The quote challenges society’s obsession with unattainable beauty standards in just a few words. It urges us to look beyond the shallow and appreciate the depth of human connection. Because feeling cherished and accepted is what truly matters most.
Roald Dahl Quotes: Boy: Tales of Childhood
This autobiographical work recounts Dahl’s youth’s mischievous adventures and surprising life lessons, with quotes reflecting on the simple joys of returning home.
It is almost worth going away because it’s so lovely coming back.
-Boy: Tales of Childhood
You know that feeling when you’ve been away from home for a while and finally get to walk through that front door again? It’s like a warm hug from an old friend. Roald Dahl taps into that sentiment with this quote.
He’s not saying go out and travel just for the sake of coming home – that’d be silly! What he’s getting at is how amazing those returning moments feel after being gone.
When you’re away, everything is new and exciting at first. But eventually, the thrill wears off, and you start missing the comforts and familiarity of home.
That’s when the real adventure begins – returning to what you know and love. The journey home builds anticipation with every mile. By the time you arrive, it’s pure bliss. Those first few minutes of being back make all the time away worth it.
Dahl’s quote reminds us not to take home for granted. Savor those reunions after you have gone, whether you took a grand overseas trip or just had a long day at work.
Appreciate the little things that make your place yours. That squeaky door hinge, the particular smell, the grooves in your favorite chair – they all become extra special when you experience them again after an absence. Home starts feeling like, well, home again. And that welcoming feeling? Priceless.
Roald Dahl Quotes: Danny, the Champion of the World
A young English boy idolizes his poacher father, and an escapade pulls him in to level the playing field with a mean landowner. The quote touches on embracing life’s thrilling uncertainties.
Most of the really exciting things we do in our lives scare us to death. They wouldn’t be exciting if they didn’t.
-Danny the Champion of the World
Wouldn’t life be a colossal bore if everything was predictable? Danny’s quote reminds us to embrace the thrill of the unknown.
Think about it – the most memorable moments that make your heart race are when you leap. That first rollercoaster ride, asking your crush out, starting your own business – all those nail-biting scenarios that had your palms sweating.
But once you mustered the courage to face the fear head-on, an adrenaline rush like no other rewarded you!
Roald Dahl is hinting at that through Danny’s words. The uncertainties and risks we willingly undertake add zing to our existence.
A life where someone pre-planned every day to the minutest detail would be dull! We crave a little chaos, a sprinkle of spontaneity to keep things interesting. The fear and butterflies in your tummy before that big presentation or skydive make the payoff of nailing it so gratifying.
So don’t be a stick in the mud, too timid to embrace adventures just because they seem scary. Dive headfirst into opportunities that ignite that fire in your belly. As Danny so astutely observes, it isn’t worth getting excited over if it doesn’t terrify you at least a little!
Roald Dahl Quotes: Billy and the Minpins
Despite his mother’s warnings, Billy enters a dark forest and meets the tiny Minpins, hunted by the fearsome Gruncher beast. The imaginative quote celebrates keeping an open, curious mindset about the wonders that may lurk in unexpected places.
And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.
-Billy and the Minpins
Keep your eyes peeled for the wonder hiding in plain sight. The magic is out there; you must look for it with a childlike sense of awe. Don’t be one of those buttoned-up grown-ups who’s too “mature” to spot the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Kids get it—the world is their playground of endless possibilities. But as we age, that sparkle can fade from our eyes. We start overlooking the little miracles unfolding everywhere.
This quote screams, “Wake up! Smell the magic brewing all around you.”
You won’t find the secrets to happiness and fulfillment locked in some ivory tower. Instead, quirky, offbeat corners you’d least expect tuck them away.
So keep those peepers popping and that childlike wonder flowing. Drink in every detail like it’s laced with cosmic truth because who knows? Maybe it is!
That blade of grass, that peculiar cloud, that strangers’ interaction could hold whole universes of hidden wisdom and delight. They merely await your glittering eyes to discover them.
Finding the Magic in the Mundane
Roald Dahl had an unparalleled gift for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. His whimsical words awakened our inner children, reminding us to stay endlessly curious about the world’s boundless wonders.
So, let these quotes be your invitation to start seeing life through Dahl’s delightfully skewed lens. Appreciate the little things that often go unnoticed. Find magic in the mundane. And never, ever lose that youthful sense of awe about the mind-boggling possibilities that surround us every day.
Who knows? Maybe your next great adventure is waiting to be discovered, hidden in plain sight. You must keep those eyes open and your beautiful, bonkers imagination running wild.
Fostering Young Readers and Book Lovers
Many of Dahl’s fans were first introduced to his whimsical tales as young readers. His imaginative storylines and playful language have an unparalleled ability to ignite literary passion.
These blog posts offer activities, book recommendations, and ideas for nurturing bookworms and lifelong lovers of reading.
- Cultivating Reading Skills in Children
- Perfect Kid Chapter Books for Summer Reading
- Book Making With Kids – The Gingerbread Man
- Book Boxes {Storing Children’s Books in the Classroom}
- 20 Respect and Inclusion Books
- Engaging Homeschool Reading Games for Kids
More Quote Inspiration From Our Site:
If these Roald Dahl quotes awoke your appetite for more creative quotes to ponder, be sure to also check out these posts from our site celebrating quotable gems across various themes. Get ready to feel inspired all over again!