“The proper study of Man is anything but Man; and the most improper job of any man, even saints (who at any rate were at least unwilling to take it on), is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity.”
- 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
Quote
“The proper study of Man is anything but Man; and the most improper job of any man, even saints (who at any rate were at least unwilling to take it on), is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity.”
Explanation
In this quote, Tolkien is commenting on the dangers of power and leadership—particularly the kind that involves domination or control over others. His claim that “the proper study of Man is anything but Man” suggests that the human condition is best understood not through introspection or self-obsession, but through the study of the world, nature, and the universe around us. By focusing too much on ourselves or on others’ behavior, we risk losing sight of what truly matters—our place in the larger scheme of things.
The second part of the quote, about the “improper job” of “bossing other men,” is a criticism of authority and the human tendency to seek control over others. Tolkien argues that leadership, especially the kind of authoritarian rule where one person seeks to dominate or command others, is a corrupting and dangerous role. He emphasizes that even saints—who are seen as paragons of virtue—were unwilling to assume such a role, implying that the best leaders are those who reluctantly take on the responsibility, not those who actively pursue it. This reflects Tolkien’s belief that power should be used sparingly and only by those who feel a deep sense of duty, not desire.
In modern terms, this quote is highly relevant to discussions of leadership and authority today. It calls into question the nature of power, particularly in politics, business, and social structures. The idea that those who seek leadership are often the least fit for it speaks to the dangers of self-interest in those who rise to power. Leaders who seek to control others for personal gain or ambition often end up being poor guides or tyrants, as their decisions are influenced more by ego than by genuine concern for the common good. In contrast, the most effective leaders tend to be those who lead with humility, are reluctant to wield power, and make decisions with a focus on service to others, rather than self-promotion. The quote encourages us to think critically about who we elevate to positions of leadership and why.
