“The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out.”
- 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 wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out.”
Explanation
This quote reflects the inevitability of the broader world’s influence on personal lives. While individuals or communities may attempt to insulate themselves from external forces or avoid the challenges of the world around them, it is impossible to permanently shut out the realities of life, whether they are social, political, or environmental. The “fencing in” suggests attempts to create a safe space or retreat from the chaos of the world, but Tolkien reminds us that the world will eventually infiltrate our borders, whether through change, conflict, or opportunity.
Tolkien often explored the idea of isolated communities in his work, particularly in the Shire, where the hobbits attempt to live in peace and ignorance of the greater world. However, as the events of The Lord of the Rings unfold, the Shire is inevitably drawn into the larger conflict, symbolizing the idea that external forces—whether war, technology, or social change—cannot be entirely avoided. This line speaks to the interconnectedness of the world and the idea that no one exists in a vacuum. Even the most peaceful or isolated lives are ultimately impacted by the forces beyond their control.
In modern times, this quote can be seen as a reminder that globalization and the interconnectedness of the world make it impossible to live without acknowledging external realities. Whether it’s climate change, economic crises, or technological advancements, individuals and societies cannot completely isolate themselves from the consequences of what happens beyond their borders. For example, while some might try to avoid the impact of political change or the effects of global markets, these forces often find their way into local lives, proving that the wider world will always be part of our lives, no matter how much we try to fence it out.
