Beast Quote by J. R. R. Tolkien
“These folk are hewers of trees and hunters of beasts; therefore we are their unfriends, and if they will not depart we shall afflict them in all ways that we can." -- The Silmarllion, JRR Tolkien”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien, 1977
The passage warns that those who exploit nature become enemies, and if they stay, they will be punished in every possible way.
In simple terms: Exploiting nature makes enemies; they will be punished if they stay.
Key Takeaway
Respect nature and avoid conflict.
Themes
environment
conflict
justice
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
cautionary
ethical
When to use this quote
- colonial expansion
- resource extraction
- environmental activism
- legal disputes
Key Concepts
exploitation
retribution
survival
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance resource use with respect for ecosystems?
- When is force justified against exploiters?
A Different Perspective
Punishment may be excessive and provoke further resistance.
![“No visiting angel, or explorer from another planet, could have guessed that this bland orb [Earth] teemed with vermin, with world-mastering, self-torturing, incipiently angelic beasts.” quote by Olaf Stapledon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d65/olaf-stapledon-9950_angel_no-visiting-angel-or-explorer-from-anoth_12107.jpg)
