Values Quotes – J.R.R. Tolkien on Imagination

Today’s quote is from J.R.R. Tolkien, the world-renowned English writer, poet, university professor, and author of the famous fantasy books The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit.

Tolkien stated:
“Not all those who wander are lost.”

Tolkien possessed great imagination.

His time growing up was not easy – losing his father at age 4 and his mother when he was 12, and then considered an orphan, cared for by the Catholic Church. But through all of his struggles, he was never lost.

As a differentiating value, Imagination means the ability to think or deal resourcefully with unusual problems. Tolkien’s growing up years could be considered unusual, but he used his imagination to adapt to his environment – and make the most of it. Many of his personal experiences would end up as part of the fantastic stories we enjoy today.

If you’re facing unusual problems – either in the physical or conceptual sense – consider the value of imagination. Others may not understand your resourceful approaches. You might even be challenged as being “lost.”

Don’t let others sway you.

Your apparent “wandering” just might provide the inspiration and solutions to deal resourcefully with some pretty big challenges.