A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust and longs for friendship.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the desire for companionship and trust, especially in times of hardship.
In this quote, J. R. R. Tolkien expresses the emotional toll of being in a state of constant suspicion and fear. A person who feels hunted often becomes weary of the weight of distrust that comes with their circumstances, leading to a deep longing for genuine friendship and connection, which offers solace and support in turbulent times.
In practice
During a speech about the importance of community during difficult times.
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.
Since we don't know where we're going, we have to stick together in case someone gets there.
Dogs are easier to love than people; they're certainly more dependable. Once they love you, that's it. A true friend in life is a dog.
There is nothing sweeter than to be sympathized with.
I never could get on with representative individuals but people who existed on their own account and with whom it might therefore be possible to be friends.
A friend, therefore, is a sort of paradox in nature. I who alone am, I who see nothing in nature whose existence I can affirm with equal evidence to my own, behold now the semblance of my being, in all its height, variety, and curiosity, reiterated in a foreign form; so that a friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.
Admonish your friends privately, but praise them openly.
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