The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards.
Interpretation
Seeking recognition and admiration from those who are truly deserving is more valuable than any material reward.
In this quote, J. R. R. Tolkien highlights the importance of meaningful recognition from individuals who have earned it through their actions and character. The essence of true reward lies not in superficial accolades, but rather in the acknowledgment from those who understand and appreciate our contributions genuinely.
In practice
During an award ceremony, I quoted Tolkien to emphasize the importance of genuine recognition.
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.
A successful life depends less on how long you live than on how much you can pack into the time you have.
Let us rejoice at the many unexplored fields in which there is unlimited fame and fortune to the successful explorer . . .
Success in life is the result of good judgment. Good judgment is usually the result of experience. Experience is usually the result of bad judgment.
Fame is a by-product. It's not a goal. What matters is loving your work and loving what you do
Success is terrifying. Like happiness, it is often appreciated in retrospect. It's only later that you place it in perspective. Years from now, I'll look back and say, βGod, wasn't it wonderful.β
You set a goal to be the best and then you work hard every hour of every day, striving to reach that goal. If you allow yourself to settle for anything less than number one, you are cheating yourself.
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