“Short cuts make long delays.”
- 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
“Short cuts make long delays.”
Explanation
This quote highlights the idea that attempting to take easier, quicker routes often results in greater problems or delays in the long run. It suggests that while shortcuts may seem like time-saving solutions, they can often lead to more complications, setbacks, or unfinished tasks that ultimately require more time and effort to resolve. The essence of the message is that patience and thoroughness are often more efficient in the long term than seeking immediate, surface-level solutions.
Tolkien’s own experiences, particularly in writing The Lord of the Rings, reflect this idea. His extensive, meticulous world-building and the depth of his storytelling were not the product of taking shortcuts, but of a commitment to careful planning and detailed development. Tolkien often spoke about the slow and deliberate nature of his creative process, which required deep attention to detail rather than rushing through the work to meet a deadline. The slow, thoughtful approach may have been time-consuming, but it led to a far more rich and lasting legacy in his writing.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with anyone who seeks to cut corners to save time or effort, only to encounter bigger challenges later. Whether it’s in business, education, or personal relationships, rushing to avoid hard work often leads to mistakes, misunderstandings, or even failures. For example, taking a shortcut in a project might result in missing important details that later need to be corrected, or opting for a quick fix in personal development can leave one with deeper unresolved issues. The wisdom here encourages diligence and patience, underscoring the idea that putting in the necessary effort upfront ultimately leads to more lasting and meaningful results.
