That's the only place in all the lands we've ever heard of that we don't want to see any closer; and that's the one place we're trying to get to! And that's just where we can't get, nohow.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the paradox of desiring unreachable goals while acknowledging that sometimes the pursuit may lead us away from what we truly seek.
In this quote, J. R. R. Tolkien highlights the inherent contradiction in human desires; we often strive towards goals that are both alluring and elusive. It suggests that there are objectives or dreams that we aspire to, yet these very aspirations may distance us from the true essence of what we seek in life, creating a cycle of yearning and frustration.
In practice
This quote could serve as a thought-provoking reflection during a motivational speech.
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.
And although it might be best of all to be Socrates satisfied, having both happiness and depth, we would give up some happiness in order to gain the depth.
The question that he frames in all but words is what to make of a diminished thing.
Faithfulness and truth are the most sacred excellences and endowments of the human mind.
Are not there little chapters in everybody's life, that seem to be nothing, and yet affect all the rest of the history?
I do not believe that any man fears to be dead, but only the stroke of death.
We all labour against our own cure, for death is the cure of all diseases.
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