Are the Elves Foolish?

[Farael]

Originally Posted by Mansun

Do you want a piece of Gandalf's staff too? This is a serious thread question, not a Hobbit chit-chat session.

I don't know if this is some inside-joke you have with Elmo, but I'd say that your answer is a little too agressive for my liking... you wrote one sentence and did not expand on your thought process that lead to the question of whether elves are foolish, I wouldn't blame someone for answering the same way

Now going bacak to the question, I'd say that saying "both yes and no" is actually proof of their wisdom rather than their foolishness. As it was mentioned before, it takes real wisdom to weigh all options and put them in perspective.

There is also another quote I find rather important

Originally Posted by Gildor

But what would you? You have not told me all concerning yourself; and how then shall I choose better than you?

How can an elf (or anyone for that matter) be expected to know what to do in a situation better than the person who is involved in that situation?

Of course, sometimes the tree does not let us see the forest, therefore the best advice one can get is no advice at all but rather help in putting things in perspective... which often looks as if we are being told both yes and no. Then, being able to see things from all angles, the person seeking for advice will be able to find the best answer possible.

Therefore, I would say, saying both "yes and no" is not evidence of foolishness but rather proof of true understanding.