After these recent post excursions into the depths of philosophical thought, I'd like to get back to Tolkien's practical philosophy as he expressed it in this chapter. Rereading it made me realize just how many of the book's famous quotes are placed here! We not only have exposition here (the background of the Ring, history of Middle-earth's past ages, etc.), we have wonderful wisdom passed on to us. I'd like to mention just a few of the most important, not quoting them completely, since we all know them well and can reread them ourselves.
Quote:
His knowledge is deep, but his pride has grown with it.
'I wish it need not have happened in my time...'
...so do all... But that is not for them to decide. All that we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.
It was Pity that stayed his hand.
Many that live deserve death...
'Why was I chosen?'
You may be sure that it was not for any merit that others do not possess...
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These wisdoms have proverbial quality and an innate worth that makes them timeless and applicable to my life. Again, the genius of Tolkien puts them not into the narration, but into Gandalf's words, showing us his deep wisdom - and Tolkien's as well!
There are other practical insights, less lofty, that make me stop to think on them:
Frodo's age (parallel to Bilbo's) at the onset of the adventures, and his restlessness - "the old paths seemed too well-trodden." Mid-life crisis described at a time when no one had yet coined that term?
The observation that immortality can be a curse "until at last every minute is a weariness."
The description of the addictive influence of the Ring on Gollum, as
Squatter already mentioned.
The significance of roots - "I shall know that somewhere there is a firm foothold, even if my feet cannot stand there again."
The importance of companions - "I don't think you need go alone."
These thoughts are what make LotR more than just another story for me!