The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards.
Interpretation
Seeking recognition and admiration from those who are truly deserving is more valuable than any material reward.
In this quote, J. R. R. Tolkien highlights the importance of meaningful recognition from individuals who have earned it through their actions and character. The essence of true reward lies not in superficial accolades, but rather in the acknowledgment from those who understand and appreciate our contributions genuinely.
In practice
During an award ceremony, I quoted Tolkien to emphasize the importance of genuine recognition.
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.
You know, you want to win and you want a ring. But when you win and you get the ring, you never really wear it.
It's been a journey, the NBA. It's taken me a lot farther than I ever expected.
When I grew up, my father used to say that cricket is not a profession, cricket cannot bring you food. But I think he lived to see the day when I was actually paid.
I don't think anybody can claim success at any part of our lives, private or professional, if there are others that don't enjoy the same opportunities.
There is no greater glory that can befall a man that what he achieves with the speed of his feet or the strength of his hands.
The thing we found out was, when you get to a Super Bowl, both teams are treated the same, talked about in glowing terms. But when the game is over, only the team that won matters.
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