QuoteProject
In doubt a man of worth will trust to his own wisdom.
J. R. R. Tolkien
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Trusting your own judgment is essential during uncertain times.

This quote emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and personal judgment when faced with uncertainty. In moments of doubt, a person of integrity and value looks inward and relies on their own wisdom to navigate challenges, rather than seeking external validation or opinions.

Themes

WisdomSelf-RelianceJudgmentTrustDoubt

In practice

Example use cases

A mentor sharing this quote during a leadership workshop on decision-making.

More from J. R. R. Tolkien

All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he obstinately, putting on his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf's recommendation. "Also I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth"--by which he meant: "What am I going to get out of it ? and am I going to come back alive?
J. R. R. TolkienRead
Go not to the Elves for counsel,_x000D_ for they will say both no and yes._x000D_ Elves seldom give unguarded advice,_x000D_ for advice is a dangerous gift,_x000D_ even from the wise to the wise,_x000D_ and all courses may run ill.
J. R. R. TolkienRead
What did I tell you, Mr. Pippin?' said Sam, sheathing his sword. 'Wolves won't get him. That was an eye-opener, and no mistake! Nearly singed the hair off my head!
J. R. R. TolkienRead
Under the Mountain dark and tall The King has come unto his hall! His foe is dead, the Worm of Dread, And ever so his foes shall fall. The sword is sharp, the spear is long, The arrow swift, the Gate is strong; The heart is bold that looks on gold; The dwarves no more shall suffer wrong. The dwarves of yore made mighty spells, While hammers fells like ringing bells In places deep, where dark things sleep, In hollow halls beneath the fells. -from The Hobbit (Dwarves Battle Song)
J. R. R. TolkienRead
The chief purpose of life, for any of us, is to increase according to our capacity our knowledge of God by all means we have, and to be moved by it to praise and thanks.
J. R. R. TolkienRead
Alive without breath, As cold as death; Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
J. R. R. TolkienRead

Similar quotes

I cannot speculate on what our cluttered mind will save- sleepy Sundays, or a nosebleed after love. I know only the dying heart needs the nourishment of memory to live beyond too many winters.
Rod MckuenRead
She was calm and quiet now with knowing what she had always known, what neither her parents nor Aunt Claire nor Frank nor anyone else had ever had to teach her: that if you wanted something to do something absolutely honest, something true, it always turned out to be a thing that had to be done alone.
Richard YatesRead
You'd be surprised how many people violate this simple principle every day of their lives and try to fit square pegs into round holes, ignoring the clear reality that Things Are As They Are.
Benjamin HoffRead
When you clench your fist, no one can put anything in your hand.
Alex HaleyRead
As a society, we're failing to recognize something my dad knew to be true - that kindness is the greatest show of strength. Too often, we are led to believe that strength is best demonstrated by exerting dominance or superiority over others, while kindness is portrayed as the opposite - a sign of weakness.
Daniel LubetzkyRead
Always drink upstream from the herd.
Will RogersRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.