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"Harry Potter"
Ayn rand Institute ^ | 11/13/02

Posted on 11/15/2002 2:23:23 PM PST by RJCogburn

The movie adventures of child-wizard Harry Potter will continue on November 15. Far from being an agent of the occult, as his critics contend, Harry Potter is the kind of hero children should be encouraged to read about and emulate, said the executive director of the Ayn Rand Institute.

"It is true that Harry lives in a magical, fantastical world, but what's important is that he is a hero who wins through intelligence, effort and courage," said Dr. Yaron Brook. "Throughout the series, Harry has developed his talents through hard work and has learned to think for himself, to be honest and to be self-confident. He has friends who share his values and he earns the respect of his teachers. Aren't these the character traits all parents want their children to possess? I know they're qualities I actively try to instill in my two boys."

Dr. Brook said that the critics' focus on the supernatural aspects of the Harry Potter stories is completely non-essential. What is fundamental is the abstract meaning being conveyed during the course of Harry's magical adventures. "The books are, in short, fuel for a child's maturing mind. As vitamins and minerals are essential to a child's healthy physical development, so literature with this view of the world is essential to a child's healthy mental development."


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To: Lurking2Long
No. See #71.
81 posted on 11/15/2002 4:43:16 PM PST by Woahhs
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To: Lurking2Long
the whole premise of the book is a sham...

Rand did advise, "check your premises"....I guess we're all Randians now ;^)

82 posted on 11/15/2002 4:44:24 PM PST by RJCogburn
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To: Lurking2Long
If there is no source then, the whole premise of the book is a sham...

My point exactly. That's why they call it fiction. Suspension of disbelief and all that...

83 posted on 11/15/2002 4:44:56 PM PST by Woahhs
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To: Woahhs
Look up Duet. 18, 10-12...
84 posted on 11/15/2002 4:45:41 PM PST by Lurking2Long
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To: Lurking2Long
Not me....you???
85 posted on 11/15/2002 4:47:08 PM PST by Irish Eyes
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To: JenB
Can children discern that magic is not "real"...?
86 posted on 11/15/2002 4:48:00 PM PST by Lurking2Long
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To: Lurking2Long
I wouldn't even begin to ask Satan to respond to a spell, even if it didn't work...

Well, it would seem you have a problem then Debatemeister. You are making a charge which you can not or will not confirm, yet you expect us to take you seriously.

87 posted on 11/15/2002 4:48:29 PM PST by Woahhs
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To: Irish Eyes
?
88 posted on 11/15/2002 4:48:43 PM PST by Lurking2Long
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To: Lurking2Long
As a matter of fact, if their parents have raised them right they can. Don't think children are stupid just because they are immature.
89 posted on 11/15/2002 4:48:50 PM PST by JenB
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To: thinktwice
I agree at BEST it was a non-loving shot LOL
90 posted on 11/15/2002 4:49:11 PM PST by Irish Eyes
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To: Woahhs
I learned early on not to play with fire...did YOU?!
91 posted on 11/15/2002 4:49:55 PM PST by Lurking2Long
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To: JenB
Yes, our society today is certainly "proof postitive" that parents are raising their kids "right"...

Excuse me while I double over laughing...
92 posted on 11/15/2002 4:51:17 PM PST by Lurking2Long
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To: thinktwice
Voldermort?

Voldermort is the really bad guy. He is evil and keeps trying to overcome good (Harry).

93 posted on 11/15/2002 4:51:58 PM PST by mathluv
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To: Woahhs
Still unwilling to look at the Bible, eh...?
94 posted on 11/15/2002 4:52:11 PM PST by Lurking2Long
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To: Lurking2Long
Dust off the cover...
95 posted on 11/15/2002 4:55:06 PM PST by Lurking2Long
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To: Lurking2Long
I learned early on not to play with fire...did YOU?!

I submit you did no such thing in keeping with the metaphor. What you learned was to bury your talent and wait.

96 posted on 11/15/2002 4:55:36 PM PST by Woahhs
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To: Lurking2Long
the whole premise of the book is a sham...

That's why it is called FICTION!

97 posted on 11/15/2002 4:55:57 PM PST by mathluv
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To: Woahhs
Can you even FIND your Bible?
98 posted on 11/15/2002 4:57:30 PM PST by Lurking2Long
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To: Lurking2Long
re: your post #25 to me. No I would NOT be standing in line for tickets to see Satan I merely asked if you would.
99 posted on 11/15/2002 4:58:31 PM PST by Irish Eyes
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To: mathluv
Again, I submit to you that children have difficulty separating fact from fiction...therein lies the inherent danger of the book...
100 posted on 11/15/2002 4:58:57 PM PST by Lurking2Long
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