J. R. R. Tolkien Quotes

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.

It is plain indeed that in spite of later estrangement Hobbits are relatives of ours: far nearer to us than Elves, or even than Dwarves. Of old they spoke the languages of Men, after their own fashion, and liked and disliked much the same things as Men did. But what exactly our relationship is can no longer be discovered.

Hobbits are an unobtrusive but very ancient people, more numerous formerly than they are today; for they love peace and quiet and good tilled earth: a well-ordered and well-farmed countryside was their favourite haunt.

You have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have.

Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.

Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.

Myth and fairy-story must, as all art, reflect and contain in solution elements of moral and religious truth (or error), but not explicit, not in the known form of the primary 'real' world.

Don't go getting mixed up in the business of your betters, or you'll land in trouble too big for you.

The proper study of Man is anything but Man; and the most improper job of any man, even saints (who at any rate were at least unwilling to take it on), is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.

Courage is found in unlikely places.