12 Quotes by J. R. R. Tolkien about Thinking

  • Author J. R. R. Tolkien
  • Quote

    I have the hatred of apartheid in my bones; and most of all I detest the segregation or separation of Language and Literature. I do not care which of them you think White.

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  • Author J. R. R. Tolkien
  • Quote

    After some while Bilbo became impatient. "Well, what is it?" he said. "The answer's not a kettle boiling over, as you seem to think by the noise you are making.

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  • Author J. R. R. Tolkien
  • Quote

    He is not half through yet, and to what he will come in the end not even Elrond can foretell. Not to evil, I think. He may become like a glass filled with a clear light for eyes to see that can.

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  • Author J. R. R. Tolkien
  • Quote

    Elrond raised his eyes and looked at him, and Frodo felt his heart pierced by the sudden keenness of the glance. 'If I understand aright all that I have heard,' he said, 'I think that this task is appointed for you, Frodo; and that if you do not find a way, no one will.

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  • Author J. R. R. Tolkien
  • Quote

    Frodo drew himself up, and again Sam was startled by his words and his stern voice. 'On the Precious? How dare you?' he said. 'Think! Would you commit your promise to that, Smeagol? It will hold you. But it is more treacherous than you are. It may twist your words. Beware!

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  • Author J. R. R. Tolkien
  • Quote

    And now leave me in peace for a bit! I don't want to answer a string of questions while I am eating. I want to think!" "Good Heavens!" said Pippin. "At breakfast?

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  • Author J. R. R. Tolkien
  • Quote

    I sit beside the fire and think of people long ago, and of people who will see a world that I shall never know.

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  • Author J. R. R. Tolkien
  • Quote

    I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done so since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence. I much prefer history – true or feigned– with its varied applicability to the thought and experience of readers. I think that many confuse applicability with allegory, but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author.

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