Pay heed to the tales of old wives. It may well be that they alone keep in memory what it was once needful for the wise to know.
Interpretation
Old wives' tales hold wisdom and knowledge that may be overlooked by the modern world.
In this quote, J. R. R. Tolkien emphasizes the value of traditional wisdom passed down through generations, often found in the stories and advice of older women. He suggests that these tales contain important truths and knowledge that contemporary society might disregard in its pursuit of modernity and rationality, reminding us to listen to the voices and experiences of the past.
In practice
During a discussion on family heritage, this quote can highlight the importance of listening to elder relatives.
All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he obstinately, putting on his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf's recommendation. "Also I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth"--by which he meant: "What am I going to get out of it ? and am I going to come back alive?
Go not to the Elves for counsel,_x000D_ for they will say both no and yes._x000D_ Elves seldom give unguarded advice,_x000D_ for advice is a dangerous gift,_x000D_ even from the wise to the wise,_x000D_ and all courses may run ill.
What did I tell you, Mr. Pippin?' said Sam, sheathing his sword. 'Wolves won't get him. That was an eye-opener, and no mistake! Nearly singed the hair off my head!
Under the Mountain dark and tall The King has come unto his hall! His foe is dead, the Worm of Dread, And ever so his foes shall fall. The sword is sharp, the spear is long, The arrow swift, the Gate is strong; The heart is bold that looks on gold; The dwarves no more shall suffer wrong. The dwarves of yore made mighty spells, While hammers fells like ringing bells In places deep, where dark things sleep, In hollow halls beneath the fells. -from The Hobbit (Dwarves Battle Song)
The chief purpose of life, for any of us, is to increase according to our capacity our knowledge of God by all means we have, and to be moved by it to praise and thanks.
Alive without breath, As cold as death; Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
Where large sums of money are concerned, it is advisable to trust nobody.
There are men too superior to be seen except by a few, as there are notes too high for the scale of most ears.
Show me the prison, Show me the jail, Show me the prisoner whose life has gone stale. And I'll show you a young man with so many reasons why And there, but for fortune, go you or I.
Fear is felt by writers at every level. Anxiety accompanies the first word they put on paper and the last.
Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself.
People fall so in love with their pain, they canβt leave it behind. The same as the stories they tell. We trap ourselves.
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