J.R.R. Tolkien -- enemy of progress ? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

The Squatter of Amon Rûdh · 03-07-2003, 07:36 AM

And, of course, vice-versa.

Actually I don't see Tolkien as anti-progress. Rather I think that he was opposed to blind surgings forward (often called "progress" by those leading the headlong rush), and to technology that mars and defaces nature. I don't think that he minded technological and scientific progress unless it interfered with the beauty of the world.

Similarly I don't think that Tolkien disliked democracy, rather that he preferred a laissez-faire form of monarchy. Since our elected leaders are apt to behave like kings and emperors anyway that system seems more honest to me.

03-07-2003, 07:36 AM	#27
The Squatter of Amon Rûdh Spectre of Decay Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Bar-en-Danwedh Posts: 2,178	And, of course, vice-versa. Actually I don't see Tolkien as anti-progress. Rather I think that he was opposed to blind surgings forward (often called "progress" by those leading the headlong rush), and to technology that mars and defaces nature. I don't think that he minded technological and scientific progress unless it interfered with the beauty of the world. Similarly I don't think that Tolkien disliked democracy, rather that he preferred a laissez-faire form of monarchy. Since our elected leaders are apt to behave like kings and emperors anyway that system seems more honest to me. __________________ Man kenuva métim' andúne?