All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in The Lord of the Rings

Developed by Steve Trombulak, in homage to J.R.R. Tolkien

• Sometimes a hobbit knows more than even a wizard.
• Sometimes a hobbit can do what a wizard cannot.
• There is both good and evil in the world.
• Never give up. You never know when the eagles are coming.
• Evil will only be defeated if the forces of good struggle against all odds.
• Sometimes a task can only be done by a few.
• Debts can be inherited, so be careful what you say and do.
• Telling the truth now can save trouble in the future.
• Never underestimate a woman.
• It is safest to assume that nobody is incorruptable.
• Never underestimate your opponent.
• Let folks reach decisions at their own pace. If the information you gave them is correct, they’ll reach the correct conclusion.
• All stories come to an end, but it may take several lifetimes. Don’t assume that you are anything but a minor character.
• Love is the strongest force of all.
• Never pass up the opportunity to study the maps of where you’re going.
• Eat when you can. Drink when you can. You never know when you’ll get another chance.
• Always carry a bit of rope.
• Don’t blame the messenger for the message.
• Don’t throw rocks into dark places.
• A little bravado never hurts, and it might make you feel pretty good.
• It never hurts to sing and dance.
• Don’t invest all of your power into just one ring.
• Elves and dwarves have different ways, but that doesn’t mean only one of them is right and that they can’t be friends.
• No matter who you think you are and what your destiny may be, be prepared for surprises.
• All power lies with the Earth, be it a garden or a volcano.
• Listen to others. Never assume that you know what’s best.
• When all else fails, stall.
• Know when it’s time to say good-bye.
• Good advice can come from unlikely sources.
• Have mercy. No one knows what role any of us have to play in life.
• Say kind things whenever you can.
• Don’t judge a book by its cover. Even a king can look a bit scruffy.

Back to my home page