Roald Dahl Special: 10 Life Lessons from the Author of Matilda That Adults Forget

1. Be Bold and Go All the Way (Matilda)

“Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog. Make sure everything you do is so completely crazy it’s unbelievable.”

Roald Dahl’s characters may be fictional, but their lessons often feel more realistic than the world we live in. Today, words like “cringe” are used to mock people for simply trying, and that fear often stops us from going all in—whether in creativity, ambition, or self-expression. But Matilda teaches us the opposite: that it’s better to embrace boldness, to lean into our quirks, and to give our full selves to whatever we do. Because only when we go all the way can we create something truly unforgettable.

2. Gratitude Makes Life Sweeter (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)

“We are all a great deal luckier that we realize, we usually get what we want – or near enough.”

In the middle of golden tickets, chocolate rivers, and impossible inventions, Roald Dahl slips in a simple truth: most of us already have more than we notice. Charlie, who comes from very little, reminds us that joy doesn’t come from having everything, but from appreciating what we do have.

As adults, it’s easy to chase the next big thing, overlooking the small wins that already surround us. Dahl’s words in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remind us to pause, take stock, and feel grateful—because often, what we have is enough, and enough can be wonderful.

3. It’s Okay to Get Things Wrong (The Big Friendly Giant)

“Meanings is not important,” said the BFG. “I cannot be right all the time. Quite often I is left instead of right.”

In its muddled but lovable way, The Big Friendly Giant reminds us that perfection isn’t the goal—effort, heart, and honesty matter far more. As adults, we often hold ourselves back out of fear of “getting it wrong,” whether it’s in work, conversations, or creative pursuits.

But Dahl teaches us, through the BFG’s jumbled words, that mistakes are part of the journey. Sometimes being “left instead of right” leads us to places we never expected—and that’s where the magic is.

4. Never Stop Wondering (James and the Giant Peach)

“There are a whole lot of things in this world of ours you haven't started wondering about yet.”

In James and the Giant Peach, a lonely boy’s life changes when he discovers a magical peach that grows beyond imagination and carries him into a world of peculiar friends and wild adventures. Dahl uses James’s journey to remind us that curiosity is where all discovery begins. As adults, we often trade wonder for routine, but the truth is—there’s always more to question, explore, and dream about. Life is richer when we keep wondering, just like James stepping into a peach bigger than his world.

5. Don’t Let “What Ifs” Hold You Back (Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator)

“You’ll never get anywhere if you go about what-iffing like that.”

Think about it: “what” and “if” are two small, harmless words—but when they collide in our minds, they can haunt us, keeping us stuck and hesitant. Willy Wonka, in Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, doesn’t like to be held back by that kind of overthinking. His story itself is full of wild risks and impossible adventures—zooming into space, dodging danger, and embracing the unknown.

Through Willy Wonka, Dahl nudges us to see that overthinking and second-guessing only keep us stuck. As adults, we often drown in “what ifs”—What if I fail? What if it doesn’t work? But progress comes when we take the leap anyway. Sometimes, the most magical doors only open once we stop hesitating and start moving.

Also read: Paulo Coelho’s World: Where the Universe Is Always Conspiring in Your Favour

6. Your Inner World Shows on the Outside (The Twits)

“If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on their face.”

In The Twits, Mr. and Mrs. Twit’s meanness isn’t just in their nasty actions—it literally changes how they look to the outside world. Dahl uses his mischievous humour to show a simple truth: negativity and cruelty leave marks, not just on others, but on ourselves.

As adults, it’s easy to get caught in frustration, jealousy, or bitterness, but this story reminds us that kindness, positivity, and good thoughts aren’t just virtuous—they make life brighter, and our “faces” reflect that to the world.

7. Trust Your Instincts (Fantastic Mr. Fox)

“I understand what you're saying, and your comments are valuable, but I'm gonna ignore your advice.”

In Fantastic Mr. Fox, Mr. Fox lives under constant threat from three farmers, yet he uses his cleverness and instincts to outsmart them and provide for his family. The story teaches us that while guidance and advice from others can be valuable, success often comes from trusting our own judgment, thinking creatively, and taking bold actions when necessary.

As adults, we often get pulled in by opinions, criticism, or “what ifs.” Dahl reminds us that listening is important, but having the courage to act on our own insight—and standing by it—can lead to real solutions and unexpected victories.

8. Love Transcends Appearances (The Witches)

“It doesn't matter who you are or what you look like, so long as somebody loves you.”

In The Witches, a young boy and his grandmother face witches who despise children, yet their bond of love and trust keeps them safe and strong. The story teaches that true connection isn’t about appearances, social status, or perfection—it’s about care, loyalty, and understanding.

As adults, we often get caught up in superficial judgments or insecurities, but Dahl’s words remind us that love and meaningful relationships are what truly matter. Acceptance and kindness, both given and received, are the heart of a fulfilling life.

9. The Joy of Coming Home (Boy: Tales of Childhood)

“It is almost worth going away because it's so lovely coming back.”

In Boy: Tales of Childhood, Roald Dahl reflects on his own early escapades—boarding schools, tiny rebellions, and youthful adventures. These stories show that even the journeys we take into the unknown can deepen our appreciation for the familiar, comforting places and people waiting for us.

The tale reminds us that venturing out has value, but so does the delight of returning. In the rush of life, it’s easy to overlook the warmth of home and the quiet joy of reconnecting with the spaces and relationships that shape us.

10. Fear and Excitement Often Go Hand in Hand (Danny the Champion of the World)

“I will not pretend I wasn't petrified. I was. But mixed in with the awful fear was a glorious feeling of excitement. Most of the really exciting things we do in our lives scare us to death. They wouldn't be exciting if they didn't.”

In Danny the Champion of the World, Danny embarks on daring adventures with his father, facing challenges that are equal parts frightening and thrilling. Dahl captures the truth that stepping outside our comfort zones often comes with a flutter of fear—but it’s precisely that fear that makes the experience exhilarating. Life’s most memorable achievements and moments of growth rarely arrive without some apprehension. The story reminds us that embracing fear, rather than avoiding it, can lead to the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences.

Why Roald Dahl’s Stories Still Matter

Roald Dahl’s stories aren’t just for kids—they sneak in little lessons in the form of whimsical plot lines. From chocolate rivers to giant peaches, clever kids to mischievous giants, his tales remind us to be bold, curious, kind, and a little bit daring. On his birthday, it feels like the perfect excuse to dive back into his worlds—not just for nostalgia, but to soak up the wisdom and fun he packed into every page.

Dahl’s stories remind us that life doesn’t always have to be so serious—there’s magic, mischief, and joy to be found if we let ourselves notice. So here’s to celebrating him by remembering to dream, wonder, and maybe even be a little outrageous—just like he taught us.

Also read: Top 10 Leo Tolstoy Quotes That Still Resonate Today