Act Like a Ravenclaw

Hogwarts is a school, and so, obviously, all the members of its four houses (Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor) are there to learn. But with their love of pursuing knowledge, the students of Ravenclaw are probably the most excited to be there! Wit, wisdom, and creativity are the qualities that members of Ravenclaw hold most dear, which makes school the perfect place to be.

Steps

Pursuing Knowledge

  1. Value intelligence above all. One of the defining characteristics of Ravenclaw members–if not THE defining characteristic–is their love of acquiring new knowledge.[1] Expand your understanding of the natural (and supernatural) world. Watch documentaries. Read non-fiction books and online content. Increase your vocabulary with a Word of the Day calendar. Make a point each day of learning something that you didn’t know the day before.
  2. Pursue your interests. One of the best ways to fall in love with learning is by studying things that already intrigue you, whether it is school-related or not. If you like to read, go to the library every chance you get. If you love to write, carry your notebook everywhere. If you like outer space, go to space camp! Stoke your desire to learn by seizing every opportunity to increase your knowledge and know-how about topics and interests that you hold dear.
    • You don't necessarily have to become the top expert or practitioner in your chosen field of study. Consider Sybil Trewlaney, whose inability to make more than one or two accurate prophecies did not dissuade her from pursuing a thorough knowledge of the art.
  3. Embrace the unknown. Never be content with what has already been studied, defined, and proven. Tackle new subjects that promise to be difficult in order to expand your overall knowledge. Challenge accepted views from authoritative sources by always asking, “Why?” Aim to not only collect well established facts and concepts, but to discover brand new info so you can contribute to everyone’s understanding of the world.[1]
  4. Prioritize the future. Although Ravenclaws love to learn, their obsession with the unknown can make researching the past boring since there is less opportunity for new discoveries. So when you study subjects like history, focus on how past events have shaped the modern world–and how they may continue to shape tomorrow–to make things more interesting and immediate. Glean those tidbits of knowledge that can be applied directly to the here and now (and beyond!).[1]
    • For instance, learning ancient runes may seem like a waste of time if all you ever do with that skill is read original texts that have already been translated. But if you happen to unearth a previously undiscovered text containing long forgotten spells, that skill will suddenly come in very handy!
  5. Do well in school. Even though Ravenclaws love to gain knowledge, gaining knowledge doesn’t automatically equate to getting good grades.[1] But remember: Ravenclaws are forward-thinking, so strategize! Even if you feel a particular class is dull or pointless (like, say, phys ed), think about the future. Strive for good grades to improve your overall average. Increase your eligibility for gifted and talented programs, advanced placement, and the college of your choice, where your intellect will be challenged much more than it may be at present!
  6. Create! Ravenclaws love applying knowledge as much as acquiring it.[1] Use what you have learned to develop something that is totally new. If you devour literature, write your own stories and poems. If you are fascinated by technology, build your own gadgets. If you love solving puzzles, construct your own for others to tackle. Whatever your skills and interests are, utilize them to produce brand new works!

Adopting the Ravenclaw Attitude

  1. Question yourself. Gain more confidence in your own judgments by constantly debating them. Reject the idea that something is “right” just because you happen to think so. Explore the merits and pitfalls of your moral beliefs. Reaffirm those that you still consider to be true after review. Reconsider those that now seem to have been founded more on impulse than sound reason.[2]
  2. Be open-minded. Never assume that you or anyone else knows EVERYTHING. If someone suggests a way of thinking that strikes you or your friends as too incredible to believe, give them the benefit of the doubt at first. Embrace new ideas or ways of life as a challenge for you to either accept or discount. Correct people when they are definitely wrong about something, but be sure to consider their argument from all angles before passing any judgment.[1]
    • The one exception would be when you are confronted by willful ignorance. Forgive people for simply being uninformed, but do not tolerate their refusal to accept what is undeniably true even after they have been presented with all the facts.
  3. Think before you act. Ravenclaws may be captivated by the unknown, but they sure hate being unprepared for it. When presented with a new situation, don’t just charge in like those Gryffindors. Consider all of your options before taking any action. Consider the possible consequences of each one and write pros-and-cons lists for them all. Then come up with a Plan A as well as a Plan B (and a Plan C, D, E …) to reduce the risk of having to act impulsively should the unforeseen happen.[2]
    • This aversion to leaping straight into action can sometimes lead to inaction or even cowardice if the chance of success appears especially slim, as best exemplified by Gilderoy Lockhart, who would rather hypothesize about all the heroic things that he would do in the face of danger, instead of actually doing them.
  4. Stay true to yourself. Be an individual.[1] Form your own opinions and theories. As long as they haven’t been outright disproven, be confident in your convictions. Rest assured that anyone who has thought about and cross-examined their own beliefs as much as a Ravenclaw does clearly doesn’t adopt opinions lightly, no matter how “crazy” other people might find them. Believe in UFOs, the Bermuda Triangle, Atlantis, telepathy, or whatever else is within the realm of possibility.
    • Luna Lovegood is a perfect example of a Ravenclaw who does what she likes and thinks what she thinks without letting anyone else dictate her beliefs.
    • Remember, though: Ravenclaws detest ignorance, so if something you believe in has been utterly disproven, accept it!
  5. Enjoy time alone. Socialize when the mood strikes you, but value time spent apart from other people as well. Appreciate solitude as a chance to read, create, or contemplate without interruption. Content yourself with your inner life and achievements rather than put too much emphasis on surrounding yourself with others at all times.[1]

Dressing the Part

  1. Dress neatly. Tuck in that shirt. Straighten your tie. Ravenclaw’s founder, Rowena Ravenclaw, was known for her beauty, and while not every Ravenclaw can hope to match hers, aspire to achieve an elegance in how you dress.[1] Take pride in your appearance. Give yourself a glance in the mirror before heading out to make sure you don’t look sloppy or disheveled.
    • Contrast Harry Potter of Gryffindor to his brief love interest Cho Chang of Ravenclaw. Harry often looks like he rolled out of bed already wearing his robe and clothes, while Cho always seems to have taken the time to comb her hair and adjust her clothing so that she appears perfectly presentable time and time again.
  2. Be quirky.[3] Show your individualistic streak by incorporating some unique element to your outfit. Whether you choose a striking accessory or clothing whose cut, color, or design sets it apart from the norm, set yourself apart from the crowd with a sense of fashion that is clearly your own and no one else’s. Keep it tasteful, though. Remember that Ravenclaws value elegance.[1]
  3. Wear house colors. Choose blue as your primary color for outfits, since this color is a constant for Ravenclaw in both books and films. If you are a purist, accent your outfits with bronze, which complements the color blue in the books. If you love the movies’ aesthetics, go with silver instead. Or be the open-minded Ravenclaw that you are and work with both silver and bronze![4]
  4. Incorporate symbols. Look for items that use the letter “R” as an emblem. Use the Ravenclaw Common Room’s ceiling as inspiration and pick clothing and/or jewelry that includes stars in their design.[3] If you favor the books, look for items that feature an eagle, since this is Ravenclaw’s mascot in the original works. If you are a bigger fan of Ravenclaw’s mascot in the movies, go with ravens instead.[4]

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Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 http://pottermoreanalysis.tumblr.com/post/29570824705/the-traits-of-the-four-houses-by-request
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://sortinghatchats.tumblr.com/post/121904186113/the-basics
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.collegefashion.net/inspiration/fashion-inspired-by-the-hogwarts-houses-ravenclaw/
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://pottermore.wikia.com/wiki/Ravenclaw
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