Great Throughts Treasury

This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.

Related Quotes

J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

An author cannot of course remain wholly unaffected by his experience, but the ways in which a story-germ uses the soil of experience are extremely complex, and attempts to define the process are at best guesses from evidence that is inadequate and ambiguous.

Children | Lending | Friends |

J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

If people were in the habit of referring to 'King George's council, Winston and his gang,' it would go a long way to clearing thought, and reducing the frightful landslide into Theyocracy.

Enemy | Friends |

J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

In account after account of exorcisms the demonic voices will propound nihilism of one variety or another.

Will | Friends |

J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

It matters little who is the enemy, if we cannot beat off his attack.

Friends |

J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

In one thing you have not changed, dear friend,

Friends |

J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

If thou hadst thy will what wouldst thou reserve? said Manwe. Of all thy realm what dost thou hold dearest? All have their worth, said Yavanna, and each contributes to the worth of the others. But the kelvar can flee or defend themselves, whereas the olvar that grow cannot. And among these I hold trees dear. Long in the growing, swift shall they be in the felling, and unless they pay toll with fruit upon their bough little mourned in their passing. So I see in my thought, would that the trees might speak on behalf of all things that have roots, and punish those that wrong them!

Man | Need | Wise | Friends |