What would the ring tempt you with?

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Originally Posted by alatar

Understood. Think that the dream is working out very well currently for Tiger Woods.

Okay, Tiger's seen better days, maybe, but surely you can see how his lifestyle would be tempting to some, if not wise and sustainable?

Anyway, my point (I'm going to pretend to have one) is that the One Ring does not create. It gives power and control.
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I think that the One Ring would pervert any gain obtained by its use. It's a jealous thing, and won't appreciate you spending time with that supermodel spouse while it sits at home.

Yeah, I think the idea of the One Ring is absolute power and control, and how it (to rule others) corrupts, regardless of the wielder's intentions. With the ring on your finger you have the means to enforce your own world-view on others. Few people in that situation would let the opportunity pass by, because they would fail to see the "bad" in it. Needless to say, the idea of throwing the Ring into the fires it was made from wouldn't have occurred to any leaders of the West or East in the real world, something Tolkien was well aware of.

Speaking of the supermodel wife, I think the Ring would give you the means to find out what she is doing and thinking at all times. And with the opportunity to listen in, who can resist?

But to sell one's soul for some empty pleasures? Sounds like a life like Turin's in the making.

You mean unhappy? I never got the feeling that Turin was chasing empty pleasures. He seems to have been burdened down with conflicting, high ideals rather...