All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.
It is plain indeed that in spite of later estrangement Hobbits are relatives of ours: far nearer to us than Elves, or even than Dwarves. Of old they spoke the languages of Men, after their own fashion, and liked and disliked much the same things as Men did. But what exactly our relationship is can no longer be discovered.
I should like to save the Shire, if I could - though there have been times when I thought the inhabitants too stupid and dull for words, and have felt that an earthquake or an invasion of dragons might be good for them.
Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.
The original 'Hobbit' was never intended to have a sequel - Bilbo 'remained very happy to the end of his days and those were extraordinarily long': a sentence I find an almost insuperable obstacle to a satisfactory link.
Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.
It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish.
It may be the part of a friend to rebuke a friend's folly.
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.
A pen is to me as a beak is to a hen.
Many children make up, or begin to make up, imaginary languages. I have been at it since I could write.
'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.'
Not all those who wander are lost.
Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.
Don't go getting mixed up in the business of your betters, or you'll land in trouble too big for you.
The proper study of Man is anything but Man; and the most improper job of any man, even saints (who at any rate were at least unwilling to take it on), is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity.
A safe fairyland is untrue to all worlds.
A friend of mine tells that I talk in shorthand and then smudge it.
Courage is found in unlikely places.
