Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.
Interpretation
Seeking advice from the Elves may lead to confusion as their responses are ambiguous.
This quote suggests that when seeking guidance from those who are wise or enigmatic, such as the Elves in Tolkien's works, one may receive mixed or contradictory answers. The Elves embody a deep understanding and complexity, which can sometimes result in ambiguity rather than clear direction.
In practice
In a discussion about seeking advice, you might say, 'Remember, go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.'
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?
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.
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!
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)
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.
Alive without breath, As cold as death; Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
Even success softens not the heart of the envious.
Wear your best for your execution and stand dignified. Your last recourse against randomness is how you act - if you can't control outcomes, you can control the elegance of your behaviour. You will always have the last word.
The problem with forbearance is that it always looks like a good thing to do until it stops working.
Genuine forgiveness does not deny anger but faces it head-on.
Events will take their course, it is no good of being angry at them; he is happiest who wisely turns them to the best account.
With pride, there are many curses. With humility, there come many blessings.
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