But fear no more! I would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were Minas Tirith falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs, Frodo son of Drogo.
Interpretation
The speaker refuses to use a dark and corrupting power for any purpose, even for good. They value moral integrity over personal triumph.
In this quote from J.R.R. Tolkien, the speaker expresses a strong moral conviction against using evil means to achieve a good end. They emphasize that even in dire circumstances, the corrupting influence of dark powers cannot be justified. The refusal to wield such weapons reflects a deep commitment to virtue and an understanding that true greatness lies not in triumphs gained through wrongdoing, but in maintaining one's integrity and ethical principles.
In practice
This quote could be used during a discussion on ethics in leadership.
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.
Let us answer the terrorists by living our values with courage.
There is no law for farm labor organizing, save the law of the jungle.
In war you're either a collaborator or you're a resistor. I mean you don't get to be neutral.
Is it a crime, to fight, for what is mine?
In my life as a soldier and citizen, I have seen time and time again that inaction has dire consequences.
Let me start with Yahoo. As we meet today, a Chinese citizen who had the courage to speak his mind on the Internet is in prison because Yahoo chose to share his name and address with the Chinese Government.
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