4 Educational Sentences From JRR Tolkien – Being Parents
Literature has the great power to make us think in a thousand and one different ways. In the case of the fantasy genre, the reflection comes in an organic and subtle form.
This is done through elements that generate a pleasant feeling in the reader (memorable characters, landscapes, magic, fantastic beings or the general framework of the story). That is why we would like to introduce you to 4 educational quotes from Tolkien.
Whether we love reading or are fans of the film adaptations of The Lord of the Rings , we will agree that there is great wealth to be found in it. And this goes well beyond the aesthetics of the elves, orcs and hobbits of Middle-earth. First of all, the struggle between good and evil is obvious.
There is obviously an underlying general message in the story. However, there are also great treasures in different places of the work. These invite us to deepen our reflection.
If we add them to each other, we find ourselves in the presence of a work so complete that it never ceases to contribute to the integral development of each one.
Thanks to Tolkien’s educational phrases, we can deepen our knowledge of human relationships , the internal struggle of each (between good and evil), values and their application in different aspects of life. We can mention the most important such as: courage, friendship, honesty, loyalty, nobility and pro-activity.
Likewise, there are dialogues between the characters that teach us patience, decision making, happiness and surpassing oneself.
Recall that JRR Tolkien was a teacher for a large part of his life. He had a real vocation for the profession. This is why he took an active interest in educating his students about the art of thinking.
Its goal was to expand their borders. He wanted to help them become people who were curious and critical enough to continue to feed on knowledge.
5 educational phrases from Tolkien
The first of Tolkien’s educational phrases worth highlighting is from the work titled: The Silmarillion . The latter deals with hope in times of turbulence and why we should always have confidence, that we are not powerless thanks to God.
“The changes of the world” refer to the fact that nothing remains unalterable or static. Indeed, in life, circumstances always vary. It reminds us, in a way, of the famous: “There is no evil that lasts a hundred years”.
Obviously, that’s a way of saying that life is full of twists and turns, often unpredictable. We must therefore learn to be flexible in order to be able to keep in shape.
However, with regard to the aid which will go to the needy in difficult times, Professor Tolkien sends a message of hope to everyone. Indeed, there is always a solution to the problems. He also tells us that help does not always come from the same place. It nevertheless takes on different aspects in its manifestations.
Second educational sentence
Tolkien’s second educational sentence comes from the Children of Húrin. It contains a very strong message. Indeed, the one who receives an education is not necessarily interested in learning. Here is the quote:
Often, both inside and outside of school, we interact with people who have no interest in listening to others and learning. This is why they tend to have more difficulties in life. To learn, the most important thing is to be available and to know how to receive knowledge.
Third educational sentence
The third of Tolkien’s educational phrases is found in The Hobbit novel . It invites us to always value people, gestures and the non-material aspects of life above the material. After all, companionship, affection, and time spent sharing the best in life. This is what makes us truly happy and fills us with life.
Obviously, this sentence invites us to think about the fact that if, in society, we valued humanity more than money, the world would be a much better place. People, no doubt, would benefit from genuine well-being.
Fourth educational sentence
Tolkien’s fourth educational sentence comes from the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy . He invites us to stop for a moment and assess whether we are really taking advantage of our time to improve our well-being, to grow and move forward as people.
Of course, the phrase gets us thinking about our lives, if we are really happy with it and why the best we can do is enjoy it.
We recall that reflection and constructive criticism are powerful tools. These allow us to better understand reality and teach us to have a proactive attitude in life. Tolkien knew this very well. So he decided to convey this in different ways so that everyone can follow the wonderful path of self-realization.