J. R. R. Tolkien quotes - page 3

Nothing has astonished me more (and I think my publishers) than the welcome given to The Lord of the Rings. But it is, of course, a constant source of consolation and pleasure to me. And, I may say, a piece of singular good fortune, much envied by some of my contemporaries. Wonderful people still buy the book, and to a man 'retired' that is both grateful and comforting. (J. R. R. Tolkien)
It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
I should say that, in addition to my tree-love (it was originally called The Tree), it arose from my own pre-occupation with the Lord of the Rings, the knowledge that it would be finished in great detail or not at all, and the fear (near certainty) that it would be 'not at all'. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
When we can take green from grass, blue from heaven, and red from blood, we have already an enchanter's power. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
There is some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
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. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
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. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
It's a dangerous business going out your front door. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. (J. R. R. Tolkien)
Short cuts make long delays. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
Courage is found in unlikely places. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
Hobbits are an unobtrusive but very ancient people, more numerous formerly than they are today; for they love peace and quiet and good tilled earth: a well-ordered and well-farmed countryside was their favourite haunt. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
You have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending! View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
A safe fairyland is untrue to all worlds. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
A friend of mine tells that I talk in shorthand and then smudge it. (J. R. R. Tolkien)
The moment disbelief arises, the spell is broken; the magic, or rather art, has failed. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
I do not regard the (probable) absence of all Jewish blood as necessarily honourable; and I have many Jewish friends, and should regret giving any colour to the notion that I subscribed to the wholly pernicious and unscientific race-doctrine. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
The significance of a myth is not easily to be pinned on paper by analytical reasoning. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien
I always in writing start with a name. Give me a name and it produces a story, not the other way about normally. View quote
J. R. R. Tolkien