Drink Quote by J.R.R. Tolkien
““The Eleven king looked sternly upon Thorin, when he was brought before him, and asked him many questions. But Thorin would only say that he was starving. "Why did you and your folk three times try to attack my people at their merrymaking?" asked the king. "We did not attack them," answered Thorin, "we came to beg because we were starving." "Where are your friends now, and what are they doing?" "I don't know, but I expect that they're all starving in the forest." "What were you doing in the forest?" "Looking for food and drink, because we were starving." "And what brought you into the forest at all?" asked the king angrily. At that Thorin shut his mouth and would not say another word.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien, 1937
Shows a dialogue where desperation leads to moral ambiguity, highlighting the conflict between survival and aggression.
In simple terms: Desperate people may be misunderstood as aggressors.
Key Takeaway
Seek empathy before judgment.
Themes
survival
misunderstanding
conflict
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
ethical
literary
When to use this quote
- refugee crises
- poverty relief
- negotiations
- community aid
Key Concepts
moral ambiguity
human need
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we differentiate need from threat?
- What responsibilities do leaders have toward the starving?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex political contexts.
