“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.”
- January 3, 1892 – September 2, 1973
- Born in the Orange Free State (British)
- Author, linguist
- Wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and built the foundations of modern fantasy literature
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Quote
“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.”
Explanation
This quote expresses a longing for more time to explore the vastness of human knowledge and experience. The speaker laments the brevity of life, feeling that there is never enough time to learn everything that piques their curiosity. The focus on languages highlights the depth and complexity of the subject, suggesting that learning something as intricate as language requires immense dedication and time. This sentiment speaks to a universal human experience—the desire to know more and grow intellectually, but feeling limited by the finite nature of our lives.
For Tolkien, a philologist by profession, this feeling was very real. His life was marked by a deep passion for languages, both real and constructed. His desire to understand and develop languages, particularly in relation to the cultures and worlds he created, was a driving force behind his scholarly work and fiction. Tolkien often expressed a frustration with the fact that there was so much to learn and not enough time to explore every language, culture, and historical nuance that fascinated him. His dedication to linguistic detail in works like The Lord of the Rings and his invented languages, such as Elvish, is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of language, even though he felt his time was limited.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with anyone who feels overwhelmed by the breadth of knowledge and skills they want to acquire, whether in education, career development, or personal growth. It is a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge, while deeply rewarding, is an ongoing process that may never feel fully completed. With the demands of daily life, the pursuit of personal and professional growth, and the constant expansion of knowledge, many people experience the frustration of wanting to achieve more, but feeling that time is always running out. This quote encourages us to embrace the journey of learning, acknowledging that although we may never have time to know everything, the pursuit itself is invaluable.
