The wolf that one hears is worse than the orc that one fears.
Interpretation
Fears are often more impactful than the actual dangers we face.
This quote by J. R. R. Tolkien highlights the tendency of the human mind to amplify fears and anxieties. It suggests that the anticipation and worry surrounding a threat can be more distressing than the threat itself, much like how hearing about a wolf creates more anxiety than the actual presence of an orc, which is a metaphor for a tangible yet more manageable fear.
In practice
During a discussion on anxiety, one might quote this to illustrate how our minds can exaggerate fears.
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.
It would be curious to discover who it is to whom one writes in a diary. Possibly to some mysterious personification of one's own identity.
People shouldn't call for demons unless they really mean what they say.
I am this bundle of what has been, and what has been accomplished.
We are here and it is now. Further than that, all human knowledge is moonshine.
Perhaps the most significant moral characteristic of a nation is its hypocrisy.
Since inequalities of privilege are greater than could possibly be defended rationally, the intelligence of privileged groups is usually applied to the task of inventing specious proofs for the theory that universal values spring from, and that general interests are served by, the special privileges which they hold.
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