Sure, a lot of modern readers are bored by Tolkien’s work. They say that it’s too hard to read and that his books just aren’t as entertaining as some of the modern creations we have today.
I disagree. I say that just means people are becoming more and more illiterate, but maybe I’m just bitter. Even if you don’t want to read his books, though, some of his most famous quotes are still just as relevant today as these brilliant little snippets were when he first wrote them.
These are seven brilliant J. R. R. Tolkien quotes that are still relevant today, starting with one of the best.
7. It simply isn’t an adventure worth telling if there aren’t any dragons.
Come on, this one is just too good. Sure, it may seem a little simple on the surface, but as per Tolkien’s usual, he says a lot with only a few words.
If your book isn’t truly remarkable, it might not even be worth writing. Plenty of people want to tell their story, but if their story is too mundane, nobody wants to read it. That’s what makes good books so good.
6. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.
So true and inspiring. Seriously, Tolkien was one of the most brilliant men of his time, and it’s quotes like these that truly show that.
Tolkien broke it down to the basics. He knew that time was the only irreplaceable resource, and that when it comes down to it, figuring out how to use your time well is really the most important decision you’re going to have to make.
5. It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.
Time and time again, quotes like this have been proven true. The human spirit can really defy all odds, and that’s how men become great. We don’t become great through the strength of our bodies, because our bodies can only do so much.
Just like Tolkien says, the true strength that we have is that of our mind or our spirit. That’s what really counts when it comes down to it.
4. There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.
As any true Tolkien fan knows, he was a big believer in right and wrong. He believed in good and evil.
So shout out to all the fans of “good” out there, because this one is for you. Tolkien firmly believed that it was worth it to fight for what was good and what was just. And as it turns out, he was probably right all along.
3. Never laugh at live dragons.
Okay, hear me out. This might be a funnier quote when it comes to Tolkien’s catalog, but he makes a good point. If you have a problem—and if that problem is still alive and kicking—it’s not really the time to laugh at it.
Fix your problem first, and then you can celebrate afterward. It’s another way to think about the age-old saying, “Don’t count your eggs before they hatch.”
2. Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.
Chills. Just because things get rough, doesn’t mean you have to give up on your friends. Just because it might look like there’s no light ahead, that doesn’t mean you have to give up and run for the hills.
Tolkien really knew about human nature, and quotes like these prove it. If you weren’t convinced that Tolkien was a brilliant man yet, this has to convince you.
1. Not all those who wander are lost.
Hey, look. It’s J. R. R. Tolkien being an absolute legend, as per usual. Tolkien was undoubtedly one of the best authors ever, and this really shows how intelligent he was.
Just because one wanders or lets himself be free, doesn’t mean that his path is foggy or unclear. Tolkien knew this, and you honestly have to give him credit for showing it so well in his books.
This is a common theme in Tolkien’s works, and it just makes his books an even better read.
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