I wish life was not so short, he thought. languages take such a time, and so do all the things one wants to know about.

Meaning of the quote

The quote suggests that the author, J.R.R. Tolkien, wished life was longer because it takes a lot of time to learn languages and all the other things we want to know. He felt there was so much to learn, but not enough time to do it all. The quote expresses the idea that life is short, and there is always more to discover and understand than we have time for.

About J. R. R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien was an English writer and philologist best known for his high fantasy works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He was a professor at the University of Oxford, a close friend of C.S. Lewis, and was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. After his death, his son Christopher published additional works based on Tolkien’s extensive notes and unpublished manuscripts.

More about the author

More quotes from J. R. R. Tolkien

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It’s the job that’s never started takes longest to finish.

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Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.

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Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate.

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I am told that I talk in shorthand and then smudge it.

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If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

J. R. R. Tolkien

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Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.

J. R. R. Tolkien

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I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

J. R. R. Tolkien

British writer and philologist (1892-1973)

Go not to the elves for counsel, for they will say both yes and no.

J. R. R. Tolkien

British writer and philologist (1892-1973)

A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid.

J. R. R. Tolkien

British writer and philologist (1892-1973)

I wish life was not so short, he thought. languages take such a time, and so do all the things one wants to know about.

J. R. R. Tolkien

British writer and philologist (1892-1973)

It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.

J. R. R. Tolkien

British writer and philologist (1892-1973)

Not all who wander are lost.

J. R. R. Tolkien

British writer and philologist (1892-1973)