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?
It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We cannot control everything in life, but we should strive to make a positive impact on our immediate surroundings.
This quote emphasizes the importance of focusing on our responsibilities and actions in the present, rather than worrying about the vast and uncontrollable aspects of the world. J. R. R. Tolkien encourages us to contribute positively to our communities and the environment, working to eliminate negativity or 'evil' in our surroundings so that future generations can benefit from our efforts. The message conveys that while we cannot influence every outcome, our small actions can make a significant difference for those who come after us.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about environmental conservation.
More from J. R. R. Tolkien
All quotes βGo 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.
Similar quotes
A good affirmation has five basic ingredients: it's personal, it's positive, it's present tense, it's visual, and it's emotional.
A noble hunger, long unsatisfied, met at last its proper food.
No doubt another may also think for me; but it is not therefore desirable that he should do so to the exclusion of my thinking for myself.
Money is not everything. Make sure you earn a lot before speaking such nonsense.
It gets tiresome being spoken to as if you are a child, even if you happen to be one.
O God, help me to win, but in thy wisdom if thou willest me not to win, then O God, make me a good loser.