QuoteProject
We may stand, if only on one leg, or at least be left still upon our knees.
J. R. R. Tolkien
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote speaks to resilience and the ability to persevere even in difficult circumstances.

J. R. R. Tolkien's quote emphasizes the importance of standing strong in the face of adversity, suggesting that even when we feel weak or limited, we can still maintain our dignity and resolve. Whether we are standing on one leg or remaining on our knees, the act of staying grounded symbolizes our determination to endure challenges, illustrating that strength comes in various forms.

Themes

ResiliencePerseveranceStrengthAdversityCourage

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles.

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

The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek. Fear of the unknown is our greatest fear. Many of us would enter a tiger's lair before we would enter a dark cave. While caution is a useful instinct, we lose many opportunities and much of the adventure of life if we fail to support the curious explorer within us.
Joseph CampbellRead
I have mortally opposed the English king; I have stormed and taken the towns and castles which he unjustly claimed as his own.
William WallaceRead
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
Battling racism and battling heterosexism and battling apartheid share the same urgency inside me as battling cancer.
Audre LordeRead
I always liked to chase the girls. Parkinson's stops all that. Now I might have a chance to go to heaven.
Muhammad AliRead
Fighting is not what I do - it's who I am. It's what I was meant to do, what I was meant to be. I knew that right after my first MMA practice.
Jon JonesRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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