“A friend of mine tells that I talk in shorthand and then smudge it.”
- 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
“A friend of mine tells that I talk in shorthand and then smudge it.”
Explanation
This quote reflects a playful self-awareness about communication. The speaker acknowledges that they often condense their thoughts or ideas into brief, shorthand expressions, which may be efficient but lack clarity or precision. The “smudge” suggests that, even though the speaker might have the intent to convey something quickly, the message may end up being blurred, unclear, or difficult for others to fully understand. This can highlight the challenge of conveying complex ideas in a concise way, where the nuances or important details might get lost in translation.
Tolkien, known for his intricate world-building and the depth of his academic and literary knowledge, was someone who likely had a strong command of language and rich ideas. However, even in casual conversation, it is possible that he may have felt the need to simplify or condense his thoughts, knowing that people around him might not always be familiar with the technical or expansive nature of the subjects he discussed. The “shorthand” could also symbolize his tendency to prioritize efficiency in conversation, while the “smudge” reflects the challenge of communicating complex thoughts in a way that is accessible to others.
In today’s fast-paced world, this quote may resonate with anyone who has struggled to articulate their thoughts quickly or efficiently, especially in written communication (like texting or emails). Often, we condense our ideas into brief statements, which can leave out important context or lead to misunderstandings. The challenge, then, is balancing the desire for brevity with the need for clarity. For example, in a work setting, sending a quick email may save time, but failing to fully explain an issue can lead to confusion. This quote highlights the tension between efficiency and effective communication.
