Quotes from J. R. R. Tolkien

But I am the real Strider, fortunately. I am Aragorn son of Arathorn; and if by life or death I can save you, I will.

Not all those who wander are lost.

The proper study of Man is anything but Man; and the most improper job of any man, even saints (who at any rate were at least unwilling to take it on), is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity.

evil labours with vast power and perpetual success - in vain: preparing always only the soil for unexpected good to sprout in.

True courage is about knowing not when to take a life, but when to spare one.

Life is rather above the measure of us all (save for a very few perhaps). We all need literature that is above our measure--though we may not have sufficient energy for it all the time.

It is perilous to study too deeply the arts of the Enemy, for good or for ill.

I wish life was not so short. Languages take such a time, and so do all the things one wants to know about.

Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.

No dragon can resist the fascination of riddling talk and of wasting time trying to understand it.

You can make the Ring into an allegory of our own time, if you like: and allegory of the inevitable fate that waits for all attempts to defeat evil power by power.

If you really want to know what Middle-earth is based on, it's my wonder and delight in the earth as it is, particularly the natural earth.

I should like to save the Shire, if I could - though there have been times when I thought the inhabitants too stupid and dull for words, and have felt that an earthquake or an invasion of dragons might be good for them.

This thing all things devours: Birds, beasts, trees, flowers; Gnaws iron, bites steel; Grinds hard stones to meal; Slays king, ruins town, And beats high mountain down.

For some time I lived in fear of receiving a letter signed 'S. Gollum'. That would have been more difficult to deal with.

You must understand, young Hobbit, it takes a long time to say anything in Old Entish. And we never say anything unless it is worth taking a long time to say.

Gandalf: Three hundred lives of men I have walked this earth and now I have no time.

The way is shut. It was made by those who are Dead, and the Dead keep it, until the time comes. The way is shut.

Where did you go to, if I may ask?' said Thorin to Gandalf as they rode along. To look ahead,' said he. And what brought you back in the nick of time?' Looking behind,' said he.

Fool of a Took!" he growled. "This is a serious journey, not a hobbit walking-party. Throw yourself in next time, and then you will be no further nuisance.

I have no help to send, therefore I must go myself.

It may be the part of a friend to rebuke a friend's folly.

The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.

The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards.