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I have in this War a burning private grudge - which would probably make me a better soldier at 49 than I was at 22: against that ruddy little ignoramus Adolf Hitler (for the odd thing about demonic inspiration and impetus is that it in no way enhances the purely intellectual stature: it chiefly affects the mere will). Ruining, perverting, misapplying, and making for ever accursed, that noble northern spirit, a supreme contribution to Europe, which I have ever loved, and tried to present in its true light.

J. R. R. Tolkien#43

CultureWarHistoryHatredPoliticsSpirit

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author expresses deep anger at Hitler for corrupting the noble northern spirit of Europe.
In plain terms
He hated how one person corrupted a great cultural heritage.
What can you take from it?
Corruption of noble ideals is a grave offense.

Where it applies

  • reading history
  • discussing politics
  • reflecting on war

Putting it to work

  • defend culture
  • identify corruption

Questions to consider

  • What legacy do you protect?
  • How do bad leaders change culture?

Another view

Personal grudges might cloud objective judgment.

More from J. R. R. Tolkien

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  2. Nothing has astonished me more (and I think my publishers) than the welcome given to The Lord of the Rings. But it is, of course, a constant source of consolat…

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  3. I must say the enclosed letter from Rutten and Loening is a bit stiff. Do I suffer this impertinence because of the possession of a German name, or do their lu…

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