"I don't know, and I would rather..." - Quote by J R R Tolkien

“he was for long my only audience... Only from him did I ever get the idea that my ‘stuff’ could be more than a private hobby. But for his interest and unceasing eagerness for more I should never have brought The L. of the R. to a conclusion.”

“The Hobbits are just rustic English people, made small in size because it reflects the generally small reach of their imagination - not the small reach of their courage or latent power.”

“Middle English is an exciting field - almost uncharted, I begin to think, because as soon as one turns detailed personal attention on to any little corner of it, the received notions and ideas seem to crumple up and fall to pieces - as far as language goes, at any rate.”

“There is a goal but no way; what we call the way is mere wavering.”

“The future is dark, which is the best thing the future can be, I think.”

“You say this victory is dangerous. I say that today no one can yet tell if it's dangerous, that today I don't see the risks you mention. If, however, those risks should become reality...I'll act in accordance with the new reality.”

“Better mistrust undeserved than rash words.”

“If your head is made of wax, don't walk in the sun”

“One of the biggest threats to success is success itself. When you get a little bit ahead, it's all too easy to become complacent and to quickly lose what you have gained.”