Ghosts

[Joey Smiley]

No: HPFGUIDX 189566

>> Joey:

<< I don't think [Binns] wanted to show off or pretend to know. In fact, I wonder if he *wanted* to do anything at all. (snip) He does not mean to teach though, I agree. He doesn't seem to have any goal at all, actually. >>

>> Catlady responded:
>> That may be related to him being a ghost. Sir Nicholas is a ghost with an ambition, to be admitted into the Headless Horsemen club, and Moaning Myrtle's ambition was to harass Olive Hornsby, but changed to having living people feel sorry for her. Still, it may be that ambition and goals are uncommon among ghosts. Maybe he used to have a goal but it went on the next great adventure with his soul, and was not left behind in the imprint his departed soul left on this world (DADA teacher Snape's definition of a ghost). 

Joey again:

When I think of Bloody Baron, Helena Ravenclaw, Myrtyle and Peeves, I do agree that they do come across as aimless. Ghosts can't use spells but that should not matter as they can't eat, sleep, drink or even die. They can talk and so, can go for suitable employment. So, from that perspective, Binns educating students is probably pretty ambitious for a ghost. Nick and Friar seem to only socialize a lot than work. Yet this is better when compared to the sulking Myrtyle or Helena and pestering Peeves.