What makes Tolkien fantasy is that in the story there are people out there fighting against evil. Because in this world, I don't see anyone doing that.
The day after the election, we started a Lord of the Rings marathon to cope. I found myself brought to tears over and over by scenes that spoke of resilience, courage, and the power of even the smallest acts of goodness. Those messages feel more relevant than ever today.
My personal mantra has always been, ‘Be kind. Do good.’ In these times, it feels essential to hold onto that. I have a feeling LotR will be on repeat in our home over the next 4 years, a reminder that even when things feel overwhelming, kindness and small acts of bravery can make all the difference.
The air seems fresher here on Blue Sky. It's nice not having to worry about being editorialized or paved over by the world's supposedly richest muscovite .😀
No. I don’t think it ought to. To rival something you need to better it, don’t you? I wouldn’t want to run the same race as X. I hope that Blue Sky is something new - that we make it something new.
I guess it doesn’t, but it’s still a comparatively small user base on here compared with X surely it would be best for it to grow to attract more creators and users.
you start comparing yourself to too many people, and suddenly your path doesn’t feel shiny enough. the applause doesn’t feel loud enough. the progress doesn’t feel fast enough.
So, you question everything—not because you’re off course—but because you’re using the wrong map.
It's interesting to note, in Dr Kenneth Ring's Near Death Experience book "Heading towards Omega" that many of the NDE experiencers he interviewed said the same thing; that it's what we do every day - the small things - that really make a difference. It's our everyday actions that truly count.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has."
— attributed to Margaret Mead
“The Inklings,” C.S. Lewis, Tolkien and others would meet at Magdalen College Oxford England and take “Addison’s walk.” Lewis spoke of their conversations.
For the longest time I only had use of the “not all who wander are lost” (or some iteration) quote, but I am finding more and more of the Tolkien realm useful in explaining our reality. I think we’ve gone beyond historic precedent at this point.
That is precisely what a ninja tortoise assassin would want you to believe. Plausible deniability all the way from the crime scene to the local pizzeria.
Maybe in Tolkein's day. The deep impervious drilling down of moral decay makes simple acts of kindness only of worth to those on the receiving end. Social order is not determined by acts of kindness but by the will of the stronger! America's deteriorating moral state right now is proof of that!
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times.
But that is not for them to decide.
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien.
Unfortunately, Tolkien probably meant the darkness of immigration and The Other... "In a private letter, Tolkien describes orcs as: squat, broad, flat-nosed, sallow-skinned, with wide mouths and slant eyes: in fact degraded and repulsive versions of the (to Europeans) least lovely Mongol-types."
true. i figure i will keep recycling, riding my bide, going vegan, even if rest of world feels more comfortable in being part of the larger, 'winning' group that's destroying the planet. i'm built funny that way.
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But I will need the time and space to have my tantrum, first...
"Altruism is not a weakness. Survival is not only about survival of the fittest at the level of the individual."
https://www.pinoytoolbox.org/post/darwin-kropotkin-shannon-geeky-world-of-politics
-reported last words of J. R. R. Tolkien
Much needed today
X is horrible now
It's ruined
Case in point: I joined because a friend told me it was a nice, more joyful corner of the internet.
- Dr. MLK Jr.
So, you question everything—not because you’re off course—but because you’re using the wrong map.
— attributed to Margaret Mead
“Sooner or later… one has to take sides. If one is to remain human”
– Graham Greene – The Quiet American
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times.
But that is not for them to decide.
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien.
All I'll say is those who have the least give the most.
Thoughts flow ever, bodies go down
Have loved this quote ever since I first came across it.