[lbo-talk] Harry Potter, Metritocracy, and Reward

[Carrol Cox]

Milton wanted to create something that 'men would unwillingly let die"
(quoted from memory). Milton had it right -- a poem (and hence the
achievement of the poet) literally does not exist except as it is read
and cherished by an audience. I don't know a lot about Mozart, but I
think he was quite anxious for both material and moral awards. Only an
animal or a god could be indifferent to positive response to his/her
achievements.

Carrol