J. R. R. Tolkien Quotes

A collection of quotes by J. R. R. Tolkien.

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (J.R.R. Tolkien) was an English author, poet, and professor, best known for his fantasy works, especially "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. He was born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State (now part of South Africa). Tolkien showed an early fascination with language and storytelling, which laid the foundation for his future literary endeavors.

Tolkien's academic career began when he attended Exeter College, Oxford, where he specialized in English language and literature. After serving in World War I, he joined the staff of Oxford University as a professor, teaching English language and literature and later Old English and Middle English. During his time at Oxford, Tolkien developed a close friendship with fellow author C.S. Lewis, which had a profound influence on his writing.

His fantasy novels were inspired by his love for mythology, medieval literature, and folklore. "The Hobbit," published in 1937, introduced readers to Tolkien's world of Middle-earth and its enchanting creatures, including hobbits, elves, dwarves, and wizards. This success led Tolkien to write "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, published between 1954 and 1955, which further expanded the mythos of Middle-earth and has since become one of the most beloved and influential works of the fantasy genre.

Tolkien's deep appreciation for language and his meticulous world-building made his writing highly regarded by readers and literary critics alike. He passed away on September 2, 1973, leaving behind a rich legacy of imaginative storytelling that continues to captivate readers worldwide.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is gi

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.

J. R. R. Tolkien


All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander

All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.

J. R. R. Tolkien


No language is justly studied merely as an aid to other purp

No language is justly studied merely as an aid to other purposes. It will in fact better serve other purposes, philological or historical, when it is studied for love, for itself.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Love Language Purpose

Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle

Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Anger

Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secre

Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Growth

Not all who wander are lost.

Not all who wander are lost.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Goals

It's the job that's never started takes longest to finish.

It's the job that's never started takes longest to finish.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Procrastination

I wish life was not so short, he thought. languages take suc

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

J. R. R. Tolkien

Time

Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.

Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Faith

Courage is found in unlikely places.

Courage is found in unlikely places.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Courage

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded g

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Food

The Road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it beg

The Road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began.Now far ahead the Road has gone,And I must follow, if I can,Pursuing it with eager feet,Until it joins some larger wayWhere many paths and errands meet.And whither then? I cannot say.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Journeys

Remember what Bilbo used to say: It's a dangerous business,

Remember what Bilbo used to say: It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Journeys

Some who have read the book, or at any rate have reviewed it

Some who have read the book, or at any rate have reviewed it, have found it boring, absurd, or contemptible; and I have no cause to complain, since I have similar opinions of their works, or of the kinds of writing that they evidently prefer.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Authors & Writing