KLEVEN: Lessons I've learned from 'Harry Potter'
Editor's note: This column could contain spoilers for those who have not read the "Harry Potter" series
I have learned many valuable life lessons from the "Harry Potter" series. The following are some of the lessons I took away from the novels, one for each book in order.
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone": Being book smart is useful, but having well-developed reasoning and logic skills will get you further in life. Hermione is able to get through a task of complicated riddles to get closer to the Sorcerer’s stone. If you can reason through a problem, you are likely to come out with a decent solution, even if you have no base knowledge on the issue.
"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets": You should not shoot the messenger. Dobby only tried to protect Harry from the danger he knew lay ahead for him at Hogwarts, but Harry had a hard time tolerating anything Dobby says to him or does to try to protect him. It may be hard to hear the person out, but their advice is likely to be valuable.
"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban": Have faith in yourself. Harry knew he could create a powerful patronus charm because he had already seen himself do it. While you’re not likely to have a similar experience, believing you can do something can give you the confidence you need to push through a difficult task.
"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire": You shouldn’t make fun of people based on appearances. Ron is a great guy and a sympathetic character, so we all felt bad for him when he had to wear dated dress robes to the school dance. We’re all guilty of passing judgment, but try to think about how it would make you feel the next time you make a mean comment about something someone is wearing.
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix": Sometimes throwing a fit makes you feel better. Harry loses control and destroys things in Dumbledore’s office after his godfather dies. Life hits hard, and sometimes the only way to feel better is to cry and to hit it back.
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince": Your soul mate could be right in front of you. Harry finally realizes he is in love with Ginny, a girl who had been a constant in his life for many years. Friends, or in this case best friend’s little sisters, make great significant others because you have a solid foundation and lots of familiarity to form a relationship on.
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows": There is always one friend who has your back no matter what. Neville saves Harry’s life repeatedly throughout the series, but his role becomes pivotal when he puts his own life on the line to kill Nagini and contribute to Harry’s cause. It may not always be the most obvious person, the one who is brave or tough, but there is someone out there who is willing to put his or her life on the line for you.
