From the Bookshelf of LessWrong…

Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality

Eliezer Yudkowsky

Finish date: March 14, 2015

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Jul 04, 2024 Emanuel rated it really liked it

This review is for those who, like me, are late to the party.

The book is extremely lengthy. Therefore, I will highlight the key points in a bullet list with some caveats–as is customary for mind clutter.

Pros:
* Science is sprinkled throughout: It is not given an academic treatment, but it is present nonetheless.
* Scheming is frequent: There is a significant amount of scheming, which is often quite amusing.
* Utilizes existing knowledge of J.K. Rowling’s universe: Certain character treatments and p This review is for those who, like me, are late to the party.

The book is extremely lengthy. Therefore, I will highlight the key points in a bullet list with some caveats–as is customary for mind clutter.

Pros:
* Science is sprinkled throughout: It is not given an academic treatment, but it is present nonetheless.
* Scheming is frequent: There is a significant amount of scheming, which is often quite amusing.
* Utilizes existing knowledge of J.K. Rowling’s universe: Certain character treatments and plot twists are only possible because of the reader's prior encounters with the universe. The author (mostly) employs this well, especially the times he subverts expectations.

Cons:
* The science is often inaccurate: This likely has more to do with the medium—it is fanfiction, not a textbook—than the author’s competence.
* Meta-scheming: At times, the scheming becomes tiresome. Harry constantly “role-plays” different plausible versions of his opponents (as he does not know their true intent). While the necessity is understandable, it can become very exhausting.
* Characters are “sacrificed”: The Harry Potter from J.K. Rowling’s stories is essentially non-existent/replaced here, as is the case with Ron and Hagrid. Those expecting an homage will be disappointed. This fanfiction can be quite cynical.
* Harry’s personality: Harry is extremely irritating. He is a child, yet he is not. Here the author plays with the concept of knowing/being more than others and thus bearing more responsibility. However important to the story and intentional this is, Harry is still utterly annoying.

There are many other points to consider, but they are too numerous to list here. One critic, Su3Su2u1, wrote a rather harsh review of the fanfic. If you want arguments against reading the book that is where I would start. He critiques the book based on plot, universe, and scientific accuracy. Of course his views are not mine.

Personally, I am evaluating this as fanfiction, not as a standalone story or a textbook. While there are many aspects I found distasteful (as is to be expected with the length), I am glad I read it. I give it four stars. If you are still not certain whether to read it or not, I believe the author recommends reading the first ten chapters and then deciding. ...more

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Sep 01, 2023 Grace Szonn marked it as to-read

May 18, 2025 ryan added it

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