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Then the voices of the Ainur, like unto harps and lutes, and pipes and trumpets, and viols and organs, and like unto countless choirs singing with words, began to fashipn the theme of Iluvatar to a great music; and a sound arose of endless interchanging melodies woven in harmony that passed beyond hearing into the depths and into the heights, and the places of the dwelling of Iluvatar were filled to overflowing, and the music and the echo of the music went out into the Void, and it was not void.
J. R. R. Tolkien
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote describes the creation of the universe through music, showcasing the beauty of collaboration and harmony.

In this poetic excerpt from J.R.R. Tolkien, the Ainur, divine beings, create the world through a grand and harmonious musical theme given by Iluvatar. The quote highlights the profound connection between creativity and existence, illustrating how the sound of their collective voices not only shapes the cosmos but also fills the void with meaning, suggesting that art and music have the power to transcend the physical realms and connect us to something greater.

Themes

MusicCreationHarmonyArtExistence

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote in a speech about the importance of creativity in society.

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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!
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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)
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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.
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Alive without breath, As cold as death; Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
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