This weekend marks the 44th anniversary of author J. R. R. Tolkien’s passing. The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings creator was known for his prolific writings and for keeping copious notes, which he collected to create his fictional histories, languages, and essays. Although Tolkien’s work focuses on his many fantastical creatures and characters, some of his best writing offers practical advice, while still paying homage to his world of dragons and hobbits. Celebrate the author’s life with us as we share some of the best Tolkien-isms for living your best — most fantastic — life.
“Little by little, one travels far.”
“Courage is found in unlikely places.”
“Not all tears are an evil.”
“There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.”
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
“You have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have.”
“Short cuts make long delays.”
“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.”
“Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate.”
“Never laugh at live dragons.”
“A man that flies from his fear may find that he has only taken a short cut to meet it.”
“Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.”
“The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.”