The Courageous Harry Potter

I. Fear in Harry's Life

A. Virtue

1. Harry seems to have all the virtue one could ask for

2. Intelligence, diligence, ambition, etc.

B. Fear

1. Despite Harry's many virtues, he often feels fear

2. Harry constantly recognizes and feels danger

3. He demonstrates courage by overcoming these emotions

II. Courage

A. Courage

1. Doing what's best, overall, not what's best for you

2. Courageous people properly recognize danger and consciously choose to ignore the urge of self protection

B. Aristotle and Courage

1. Courage is acting in the middle of cowardice and rashness

2. Courageous person isn't insensible to danger, but is willing to risk harm for a greater good

3. Courage is a fundamental virtue

a. Courage is necessary in order to display other virtues

b. Harry Potter teaches us how to be courageous

III. Harry's Five Steps to Courage

A. Prepare for the Challenge

1. Preparation is the first step toward courage – it can inspire confidence and support courage

a. Courage and confidence depend on each other

b. Confidence gives positive attitude towards a certain situation, courage is the decision to act selflessly and for the greater good

2. Harry prepares himself for many events such as Quidditch matches and the Triwizard Tournament

B. Surround yourself with Support

1. Friends are the best source of encouragement

2. The best way to gain good support for yourself is to be supportive of others

a. Oliver Wood and Hagrid give Harry pep talks that lead him to have more confidence in himself and do better in the task at hand

C. Engage in Positive Self-Talk

1. Positive thinking and self-talk can unlock our true potential is used correctly

2. Harry often reassures himself in tight situations, for example, he tells Ron "See you in a bit" before going into the Chamber of Secrets

D. Focus on What's at Stake

1. "Great values cast out great fear"

2. By realizing the gravity of certain situations, one can more easily overcome fear

3. Harry goes into the Chamber of Secrets to save Ginny without giving it a second thought

E. Take Appropriate Action

1. Harry shows the power of acting

a. He instinctively attacks the snake threatening his class without even considering his fear

2. Committing to action is most important

IV. Harry's Big Step of Faith

A. It is important to realize the importance of a situation and take action even if you arenít sure of yourself

B. Harry's Leap of Faith

1. Harry goes through the golden mist in the Triwizard Tournament when he hears a fellow competitor scream

2. Despite the world being upside down, he takes a step through the mist to try and save the girl in need

C. Harry's values lead him to take action despite logic – he displays courageous faith

D. Thinking and reasoning can only bring one so far in the road to courage

E. Harry Potter is willing to overcome his emotions to do what he knows is right