J.R.R. Tolkien: Dragons Use for Wealth
on Wednesday, June 3, 2015J.R.R. Tolkien Money Quotation saying Old misers, whether wealth of people or institutions can represent a financial risk if not considered as factors. J.R.R. Tolkien said:
“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him. Dragons may not have much real use for all their wealth, but they know it to an ounce as a rule, especially after long possession” — J.R.R. Tolkien
In this quote, Tolkien is advising that it is foolish to ignore the threat posed by a nearby dragon in one’s planning and considerations.
Dragons may not have practical uses for the vast riches they have amassed, but they are keenly aware of precisely how much wealth they possess, often down to the exact ounce, after having hoarded it for a long time.
The quote suggests one should not underestimate a dragon or its potential for violence in defending its treasure, no matter how little the dragon itself may actively make use of the gold and jewels.
It cautions accounting for the danger a dragon living close by could pose if its wealth were threatened, given the dragon’s meticulous inventory of its possessions accrued over a long period of possession.
National Tolkien Reading Day is celebrated annually on March 25th. It is a day set aside to honor J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of classic fantasy works like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
On this day, fans of Tolkien’s books often reread or discuss their favorite passages. Some libraries and bookstores will host events like readings from Tolkien’s works or discussions about the themes and characters in his stories.
The goal is to celebrate Tolkien’s work and legacy as one of the most influential fantasy authors and to encourage others to discover his books if they have not already done so.
Birthday January 3, 1892 – Died September 2, 1973