Quotes by J. R. R. Tolkien

A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
Courage is found in unlikely places.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
Go not to the elves for counsel, for they will say both yes and no.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
I am told that I talk in shorthand and then smudge it.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
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 way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.
– 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.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
It's a job that's never started that takes the longest to finish.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
Little by little, one travels far.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
The Hobbits are just rustic English people, made small in size because it reflects the generally small reach of their imagination.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
Nearly all marriages, even happy ones, are mistakes: in the sense that almost certainly (in a more perfect world, or even with a little more care in this very imperfect one) both partners might be found more suitable mates. But the real soul-mate is the one you are actually married to.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
It's a dangerous business going out your front door.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
All that is gold does not glitter; not all those that wander are lost.
– 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
Many that live deserve death. And some die that deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then be not too eager to deal out death in the name of justice, fearing for your own safety. Even the wise cannot see all ends.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
'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
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
– J. R. R. Tolkien
Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.
– J. R. R. Tolkien