C.S. Lewis or J.K. Rowling?

There is an interesting kinship between these two authors’ works. Children gathered at a place in the country away from family, and they are the characters the epics encircle. Seven volumes to each author’s work. British authors at that. A battle between good and evil. A fantasy world connected but separate from the world we live in. Witches, Beasts, Magic. This small entry here can barely touch the surface. (check this out for an article from Southwestern Oklahoma State University)

But I do want to focus on one kinship that is opposite in nature – SCHOOL. In the Narnia series, the children flee the city due to the war and German bombing. They go to Professor Digory Kirke’s house in the country. They no longer attend school. Lewis clearly showed his opinion of school as an essential evil. He did not have a good experience in school as a child. (article)

Rowlings on the other hand created a school where every young, and old, reader wishes that could attend. Ride the magic train to get there. Creative and exciting classes. Kinship developed within the houses. Fabulous food. And so on. She made school exciting.

Between these two, I side with Hogwarts over no school. An education is so important.

I have been to a lot of schools. Had my share of good and bad experiences. Felt burnout and exaltation. Yesterday, an event took place that brought all that back, all the thrill, the joy of accomplishments felt in completing a course or assignment, and the pleasure of being part of an educational system. My wife is the catalyst. She has returned to complete her degree – and well, she is just all giddy.

My wife is the catalyst. She has returned to complete her degree – and well, she is just all giddy.

Don’t lose that excitement of learning, the importance of an education. Enjoy the fulfillment of learning a new skill, expanding your world view, being exposed to a variety of ideals, and sharing in the richness of great minds from all time. Read a book. Take a class. Learn a trade. It will change your world.

We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.

JK Rowling

There may be another degree in my future. But for now, I think I will just pick up another book. Maybe you can too.

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Fun Quiz. Who Said It, CS or JK?

1. Even I never dreamed of magic like this!
2. We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.
3. Things never happen the same way twice.
4. You doubt your value. Don’t run from who you are.
5. It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.
6. It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends,

1, 3, 4 are by the same author. Go here to take the whole test.