The Philospher's Stone (was: Harry's Protection (was Re: Questions))

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 119491


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "eloise_herisson" 
<eloiseherisson at a...> wrote:

Eloise:
> But you ask an interesting question regarding why Voldemort is 
> censured for his search for immortality whilst Flamel isn't. As 
> suggested above, the search for immortality was a respectable 
> scientific (viz, alchemical) pursuit for generations, even down to 
> Isaac Newton. Flamel's apparent hogging of the secret is ethically 
> troubling, especially as one suspects that Voldemort would be 
equally 
> reluctant to share. Of course immortality for the human race as a 
> whole would be disastrous; even if just the WW were given access to 
> the secret and the Elixir, then overcrowding would no doubt ensue 
> before too long, however just think of how many lives it might have 
> saved. And if there are other reasons why immortality is deemed not 
> so good a thing by the WW, then why did Flamel and his wife embrace 
> it for so long? 
> 
> I suspect the answer is thematic. Flamel is presented to us as an 
> example of deliberately (eventually) eschewing immortality even 
> though he has it in his grasp, bolstering Dumbledore's view of 
death 
> as the next great adventure (or was that Peter Pan? Something like 
> that.) This contrasts with Voldemort and his desire for immortality 
> beyond all else. I guess we're not meant to ask the more difficult 
> questions.

Geoff:
Dumbledore comments towards the end of PS:

"You know, the Stone was really not such a wonderful thing. As much  
money and life as you could want! The two things most human beings 
would choose above all - the trouble is, humans do have a knack of 
choosing precisely those things which are worse for them."

(PS "The Man with Two Faces" p.215 UK edition)

"Flamel's apparent hogging" might have been merely being careful to 
whom he revealed information about the Stone because of the potential 
for misuse. He presumably brought Dumbledore in on the secret at some 
point well after he knew about it, judging by their difference in 
ages and it also would appear to be an open secret because he is 
mentioned on the Frog cards and also the "enormous old book" Hermione 
has for "light reading." (PS "Nicholas Flamel" pp.160/161 UK edition).

When we look at the effect of money and long life on people in the 
Real World, one can understand why Flamel was cautious in whom he 
chose to join him. As Timothy in the New Testament famously 
remarks: "The love of money is the root of all evil". And I believe 
the wish for long life and power can be equally seductive. It depends 
on what you want money and long life for. As just one example look at 
the depths to which drug barons are prepared to plunge the 
unfortunates who become addicts to satisfy their own cravings for 
money and power.

Why does Voldemort seek immortality? To give himself more power over 
others, to have longer to exert this power? Or fear of death, 
something over which he has no ultimate power? Is it to enjoy the 
sight of others suffering because of him?

Immortality - at least in earthly form - is a highly questionable 
goal. In the recent discussion on the reality of its virtues which I 
have followed but not added too, I have on several occasions been 
reminded of the Q Continuum in Star Trek. In one of the Voyager 
episodes ("Death Wish"), a leading member of this group of immortals 
is found imprisoned in a comet because he wanted to commit suicide; 
immortality had become unendurable to him. Ultimately, he committed 
suicide after being released.

Putting aside the prophecy and Harry getting into the act, I wonder 
whether Voldemort might be finally overcome by the ennui of the 
endless routine of finding things for sycophantic Death Eaters to 
do.... Imagine reading the financial market reports or the obituary 
columns for a couple of thousand years. :-)