Comments on: J.K. Rowling on Failure & Imagination

By: jenacular

jenacular — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:32:37 +0000

I am very intrigued by where this conversation has gone, and even more amazed by how all of the comments here have oddly had little to do with the actual speech given and more so with external influences. With that said, I have two things to say.

1. It appears to me that some people feel that Rowling took advantage of the system, while others feel that she was liberated by the system. I feel that the issue is much broader than what has been noted above me.

If the system allows for such a route to be taken, then should individuals see this as a flaw in Rowling’s character, or in the system itself? Also, if welfare is not the route to use in order to have time to embark on a creative venture, then should there be another form of assistance for that?

Finally on this subject, I’ve heard Rowling reference her \welfare\ during that period of time very rarely. In this speech itself she never went into the subject, she just referenced being poor, never how she accomplished staying afloat. With that said, I don’t feel that we can assume that she is endorsing that lifestyle. Also, I would venture to say that most people do not know how she made it through that period of her life, so I think that its safe to say that her story is still an inspirational one.

2. On the matter of the speech itself: I felt that it was amazing, and that the parallels between her life and the book itself were amazing. Every time I read or hear something new about Rowling or the series I am more amazed by how amazing the texts actually are.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:37:51 +0000

As a recent college graduate who has been unable to find work with student loans hanging over my head, I found this speech incredibly inspiring.

Thanks for posting it.

All the haters are just jealous! Harry Potter is awesome.

By: MYoung

MYoung — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:22:37 +0000

Along with all she has given and continues to give financially, think of the millions of children (and adults) who have been inspired by her writings, and have fostered their own imaginations. I imagine that we will see many a writer, amateur and professional, emerging from the Harry Potter generation and perpetuating its legacy with their own children.

By: John

John — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:38:22 +0000

What a bunch of whiners. Grow up. Rowling’s got talent AND luck. Bet you don’t.

By: Avani

Avani — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:25:33 +0000

Rowling turned a bad situation good. That’s what makes her story so inspiring. She used welfare in the exact way that it was intended – she allowed the government to assist her in not only strengthening her financial situation, but improving her employment opportunities. When we have no support, we are forced to do whatever we must to stay alive. Welfare gives people the opportunity to make more of their lives – to focus on goals rather than on subsistence.

By: Bubba

Bubba — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:15:33 +0000

Deacon, are you insane??!! Or are you joking? Welfare has never been justified by claiming one has talent, and therefore deserves to leech off of the welfare system, and by proxy, the citizens paying for it. If you’re talented at something, just do it, but don’t go crying if you can’t earn money with your talent. Some people have talent nobody cares about. Just because people have done what she has done, before her, does not make it right. People capable of working, who choose not to, at the expense of the taxpayers, are scum. If she happened to not succeed, someone or something else would have come along anyway. BTW, I heard about the lawsuit this morning on NPR this morning.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:40:24 +0000

oops. meant somewhat ironic. don’t i have egg on my face : )

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:30:45 +0000

I have to say that one thing I find rather ironic (if it is true) is that she talks about imagination and is recently accused of plagiarism regarding another author who wrote a book about young wizards. not saying its true, I believe in innocence until proven otherwise, but I do find it someone ironic.

By: hockey zombie

hockey zombie — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:27:41 +0000

What about the millions of people who are getting government money to finish college, or getting grants to start their own business? A lot of people have taken advantage of a situation for their own benefit, just because she got really rich doesn’t make what she did any different. She has given back a lot more than what she took and it allowed her to raise her own child.

I would prefer what she has done to the millions of people who live on welfare and make no attempt to change that. Not to mention those on welfare who are drug addicts.

I think your anger is misplaced.

By: a

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:50:32 +0000

Someone posted if she has given back to the British people after having taken advantage of welfare- of course she has through taxes! With her vast wealth, I am sure the amount being taxed on her income alone supports much of the NHS funding :P