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J.R.R. Tolkien: The Iconoclast of the 20th Century
J.R.R. Tolkien, a British WWI Veteran and renowned philologist, left an indelible mark on the world. His contributions to modern high fantasy and myth-making are immeasurable. As time goes on, we are left to ponder how future generations and cultures will interpret his works and their significance in the grand tapestry of history.
Tolkien’s Relevance in Our Culture
In our current culture, characterized by rampant commercialization, materialism, and technological advancements, our appreciation for Tolkien may stem from our yearning to find a reflection of our own condition in his writings. Among the many quotes that have become synonymous with Middle-Earth, one stands out as quintessential:
“Not all who wander are lost.”
Like many of you, I consider myself a wanderer. Boxes may intrigue me momentarily, but I quickly feel suffocated when confined within them. I crave freedom and find solace in the journey rather than staying put.
Tolkien, too, embodied this spirit of wanderlust. He was a Bohemian, a 4 with a 5 win in Enneagram terms. It goes without saying that crafting an epic or building an entire world requires a deep immersion in one’s own imaginative realm. The heart of Tolkien, captivated by the adventure that lay ahead, gave birth to this iconic phrase cherished by restless souls.
Unveiling the Complete Quote
In its entirety, the quote reads:
All that is gold does not glitter;
Not all who wander are lost.
The old that is strong does not wither.
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
This quote, however, does not endorse aimless wandering. Tolkien’s literature is replete with cautionary tales of individuals who strayed from the path of goodness and fell into destructive traps. Saruman serves as a prime example, but countless other stories explore the downfall of those who prioritize immediate gains over eternal truths.
Wandering with Purpose
While wandering can be both thrilling and purposeless, Tolkien’s characters teach us the importance of wandering with intent. Frodo, Aragorn, and even Gandalf himself are wanderers, yet their journeys are imbued with conviction and direction.
The key lies in the final lines of the stanza:
The old that is strong does not wither.
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
When we wander, we must remain vigilant and discerning. We must know when to continue along a particular path and when our fate hangs in the balance. This may come through the guidance of maps and mentors, through our faith in God and the support of dear friends, or through our pursuit of wisdom driven by love rather than the mere accumulation of knowledge.
“Not all those who wander are lost” holds true, but it’s important to acknowledge that many wanderers are indeed lost. The question is not whether we will wander, as some of us are inherently predisposed to do so, including the man who penned these words. The question is how we will wander.
So let us embrace the spirit of exploration, but let us also wander purposefully, guided by wisdom, conviction, and a deep-rooted understanding of our own journey.