[Child of the 7th Age]

I believe that Tolkien himself once addressed the issue of escapism. He asked whether those escaping from prison should be chided for their desire to break free. And, to me, that's what Tolkien's writings do. For, just a moment, we can break free from those things that weigh on our heads. Yes, there are certainly times when we have to sit tight and battle in this world, here and now, for things we believe in. But there are other times, which are just as important, when we have to free our minds to look at the possibility of something else. We have to dream of a place where the battles seem much simpler and more focused, where it is clear that what we do as individuals makes a real difference.

In our own world, we've lost so much of that sense of personal responsibility. Even when we're struggling to help perfect our own Arda, the one we actually live in, we can easily forget what our daily actions mean. Tolkien reminds me of that, as well as the possibility of a world where our imaginations can run free.

So give me Elves and hobbits anyday. That way, the time I spent with jobs and taxes and bills will have just a bit more meaning in it!