J.R.R. Tolkien was an English writer, poet, and scholar, best known for his novels "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" which are considered masterpieces of fantasy literature. Throughout his life, J.R.R. Tolkien shared valuable insights and lessons on a wide range of topics, from language and mythology to imagination and storytelling. In this article, we will explore some of the most important lessons from J.R.R. Tolkien by using quotes and examples from his life and work.
The importance of language and mythology
One of the most important lessons from J.R.R. Tolkien is the importance of language and mythology. Tolkien was a professor of Anglo-Saxon and English language, and his love of language and mythology is evident in his writing. He believed that language and mythology are essential for understanding and appreciating the human experience. He said, "The story-maker proves a successful 'sub-creator.' He makes a Secondary World which your mind can enter. Inside it, what he relates is 'true': it accords with the laws of that world." Tolkien's approach to language and mythology is exemplified in his work, where he created a rich and detailed world, filled with its own languages, cultures, and myths.
The importance of imagination
Another important lesson from J.R.R. Tolkien is the importance of imagination. Tolkien believed that imagination is essential for understanding and appreciating the world around us. He said, "The human mind, endowed with the powers of generalization and abstraction, sees not single objects but kinds, not just here-and-now but everywhere and always." Tolkien's approach to imagination is exemplified in his writing, where he created a rich and detailed world, filled with its own languages, cultures, and myths, that captivates and inspires readers to use their imagination.
The importance of storytelling
J.R.R. Tolkien also believed in the importance of storytelling and encouraged people to tell stories and to share their experiences with others. He said, "A story must be told or there'll be no story, yet it is the untold stories that are most moving." Tolkien's approach to storytelling is exemplified in his writing, where he created a rich and detailed world, filled with its own languages, cultures, and myths that captivates and inspires readers to tell their own stories.
The importance of history and tradition
J.R.R. Tolkien also believed in the importance of history and tradition and encouraged people to learn from and appreciate the past. He said, "The characters and events are made by the story-maker, but they are also, in a sense, real. They might have been." Tolkien's approach to history and tradition is exemplified in his writing, where he drew inspiration from ancient myths, legends, and languages to create a rich and detailed fantasy world that feels rooted in history and tradition. He believed that understanding and appreciating history and tradition can help us to understand and appreciate the world around us.
The importance of heroism and sacrifice
Finally, J.R.R. Tolkien believed in the importance of heroism and sacrifice and encouraged people to strive for good and to be willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. He said, "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future." Tolkien's approach to heroism and sacrifice is exemplified in his writing, where his characters often face difficult choices and make sacrifices for the greater good. His stories often emphasize the importance of standing up for what is right and the power of ordinary people to make a difference.
In conclusion, J.R.R. Tolkien was a writer, poet, and scholar who left behind a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. His lessons on language and mythology, imagination, storytelling, history and tradition, and heroism and sacrifice continue to inspire and guide people today. His legacy continues to be celebrated and his contributions to the world of literature and fantasy continue to shape the way we understand and appreciate the world around us. His approach to creating a rich and detailed world, filled with its own languages, cultures, and myths, that captivates and inspires readers to use their imagination, tell their own stories, and appreciate history and tradition are still considered as a model of excellence in fantasy literature and his works continue to be widely read and studied around the world.