It’s the job that’s never started takes longest to finish.
Meaning of the quote
The quote means that if you keep putting off a task, it will take much longer to complete it. Getting started right away is the best way to finish a job quickly. Waiting to begin a project only makes it harder and take more time in the end.
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 After his death, his son Christopher published additional works based on Tolkien’s extensive notes and unpublished manuscripts.
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More quotes from J. R. R. Tolkien
Courage is found in unlikely places.
British writer and philologist (1892-1973)
It’s the job that’s never started takes longest to finish.
British writer and philologist (1892-1973)
Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.
British writer and philologist (1892-1973)
Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate.
British writer and philologist (1892-1973)
I am told that I talk in shorthand and then smudge it.
British writer and philologist (1892-1973)
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
British writer and philologist (1892-1973)
Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.
British writer and philologist (1892-1973)
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.
British writer and philologist (1892-1973)
Go not to the elves for counsel, for they will say both yes and no.
British writer and philologist (1892-1973)
A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid.
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.
British writer and philologist (1892-1973)
It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.
British writer and philologist (1892-1973)
Not all who wander are lost.
British writer and philologist (1892-1973)