--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that…" description: "\"Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edc/jrr-tolkien-17369_death_deserves-it-i-daresay-he-does-many-that_1766214.jpg" --- # Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve… ![“Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. I have not much hope that Gollum can be cured before he dies, but there is a…” quote by JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edc/jrr-tolkien-17369_death_deserves-it-i-daresay-he-does-many-that_1766214.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edc/jrr-tolkien-17369_death_deserves-it-i-daresay-he-does-many-that_1766214.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edc/jrr-tolkien-17369_death_deserves-it-i-daresay-he-does-many-that_1766214.jpg) > “Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. I have not much hope that Gollum can be cured before he dies, but there is a chance of it. And he is bound up with the fate of the Ring. My heart tells me that he has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end; and when that comes, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many - yours not least.” [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He argues that death and life are not absolute moral rewards; judgment should be tempered with humility because outcomes are uncertain. **In simple terms:** Life and death aren’t simple rewards; be humble in judgment. Key Takeaway Exercise humility when judging others. Themes morality judgment uncertainty Mood reflective serious Type ethical philosophical When to use this quote - legal sentencing - personal forgiveness - leadership decisions - ethical debates Key Concepts fate redemption ethical limits Questions to Reflect On - When is it appropriate to act decisively? - How can we balance compassion with responsibility? A Different Perspective Over‑cautiousness may prevent necessary action against genuine threats. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/death/) [Hobbit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hobbit/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) ## Related quotes > [Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/many-that-live-deserve-death-and-some-that-die-deserve-life-can-you-3/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-r-tolkien-2/many-that-live-deserve-death-and-some-that-die-deserve-life-can-you-2/) [J. R. R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien-2/) > [“Now at any rate he is as bad as an Orc, and just an enemy. He deserves death.’ ‘Deserves it! I daresay he does.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-r-tolkien/now-at-any-rate-he-is-as-bad-as-an-orc-and-just-an-enemy-he-deserves/) [J.R.R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien/) > [Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/many-that-live-deserve-death-and-some-that-die-deserve-life/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-r-tolkien/many-that-live-deserve-death-and-some-that-die-deserve-life-can-you/) [J.R.R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien/) > [“Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-r-tolkien/deserves-it-i-daresay-he-does-many-that-live-deserve-death-and-some-2/) [J.R.R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien/) > [What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature, when he had a chance!' Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/what-a-pity-that-bilbo-did-not-stab-that-vile-creature-when-he-had-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/pity-it-was-pity-that-stayed-bilbo-s-hand-many-that-live-deserve/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“O Gandalf, best of friends, what am I to do? For now I am really afraid. What am I to do? What a pity…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-r-tolkien/o-gandalf-best-of-friends-what-am-i-to-do-for-now-i-am-really-afraid/) [J.R.R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien/) > [“But this is terrible!" cried Frodo. "Far worse than the worst that I imagined from your hints and warnings. O Gandalf, best of friends,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-r-tolkien/but-this-is-terrible-cried-frodo-far-worse-than-the-worst-that-i-2/) [J.R.R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien/) > [“But this is terrible!’ cried Frodo. ‘Far worse than the worst that I imagined from your hints and warnings. O Gandalf, best of friends,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-r-tolkien/but-this-is-terrible-cried-frodo-far-worse-than-the-worst-that-i/) [J.R.R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien/) > [“What a pity Bilbo did not stab the vile creature, when he had a chance! Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-r-tolkien/what-a-pity-bilbo-did-not-stab-the-vile-creature-when-he-had-a-chance/) [J.R.R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien/) > [“So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: "I admit that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/so-when-the-devil-throws-your-sins-in-your-face-and-declares-that-you/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [Because I’ve lost my children, too, and I know the ache that lives inside the heart that no amount of solace or alcohol will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherrilyn-kenyon/because-i-ve-lost-my-children-too-and-i-know-the-ache-that-lives/) [Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherrilyn-kenyon/) > [Death - by hanging! - that, at least, I did not deserve. The death part - all right, somebody has to stand for the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfred-jodl/death-by-hanging-that-at-least-i-did-not-deserve-the-death-part-all/) [Alfred Jodl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfred-jodl/) ## More by JRR Tolkien > [But when I say free, I mean free: free from bond, of chain or command:to go where you will, even, even to Mordor Saruman,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jrr-tolkien/but-when-i-say-free-i-mean-free-free-from-bond-of-chain-or-command-to/) [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) > [Far over the misty mountains grim To dungeons deep and caverns dim We must away, ere break of day, To win our harps and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jrr-tolkien/far-over-the-misty-mountains-grim-to-dungeons-deep-and-caverns-dim-we/) [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) > [“But where our hearts truly lie is in peace and quiet and good tilled earth.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jrr-tolkien/but-where-our-hearts-truly-lie-is-in-peace-and-quiet-and-good-tilled/) [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) > [That is Shadowfax. 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The fire was red, it flaming spread; The trees like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jrr-tolkien/the-pines-were-roaring-on-the-height-the-wind-was-moaning-in-the/) [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) > [Far over the misty mountains cold To dungeons deep and caverns old We must away ere break of day To seek the pale enchanted…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jrr-tolkien/far-over-the-misty-mountains-cold-to-dungeons-deep-and-caverns-old-we-2/) [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) > [Goblets they carved there for themselves And harps of gold; where no man delves There lay they long, and many a song Was sung…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jrr-tolkien/goblets-they-carved-there-for-themselves-and-harps-of-gold-where-no/) [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) > [The dwarves of yore made mighty spells, While hammers fell like ringing bells In places deep, where dark things sleep, In hollow halls beneath…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jrr-tolkien/the-dwarves-of-yore-made-mighty-spells-while-hammers-fell-like/) [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) > [Tolkien offers sympathy, surrender, friendship and, most of all, forgiveness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jrr-tolkien/tolkien-offers-sympathy-surrender-friendship-and-most-of-all/) [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) > [“Çünkü en bilge olanlar bile her şeyin sonunu göremez.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jrr-tolkien/nk-en-bilge-olanlar-bile-her-eyin-sonunu-g-remez/) [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) > [Short cuts make for long delays.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jrr-tolkien/short-cuts-make-for-long-delays/) [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) > [“Lorien who loves twilights and flittering shadows, and sweet scents borne upon evening winds, who is the lord of dreams and imaginings, sat nigh…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jrr-tolkien/lorien-who-loves-twilights-and-flittering-shadows-and-sweet-scents/) [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) > [For ancient king and elvish lord There many a gleaming golden hoard They shaped and wrought, and light they caught To hide in gems…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jrr-tolkien/for-ancient-king-and-elvish-lord-there-many-a-gleaming-golden-hoard/) [JRR Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) [Explore all 35 JRR Tolkien quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jrr-tolkien/) ## More Death quotes > [“He wondered how it was fair that your dying should depend so much on when you were born.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-albom/he-wondered-how-it-was-fair-that-your-dying-should-depend-so-much-on/) [Mitch Albom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-albom/) > [What sets worlds in motion is the interplay of differences, their attractions and repulsions. Life is plurality, death is uniformity. By suppressing differences and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/octavio-paz/what-sets-worlds-in-motion-is-the-interplay-of-differences-their/) [Octavio Paz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/octavio-paz/) > [Most of us are convinced that we are our egos, which is who we think we are. The ego is part of our incarnation.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ram-dass/most-of-us-are-convinced-that-we-are-our-egos-which-is-who-we-think/) [Ram Dass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ram-dass/) > [I do not want to live at the cost of the life even of a snake. I should let him bite me to death…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahatma-gandhi/i-do-not-want-to-live-at-the-cost-of-the-life-even-of-a-snake-i/) [Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahatma-gandhi/) > [“It was beautiful. 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Then his eyes turned to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-anthony-torino/what-did-you-see-she-asked-gently-his-brow-furrowed-as-if-he-could/) J. Anthony Torino > [Those whose life is long still strive for gain, and for all mortals all things take second place to money.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/those-whose-life-is-long-still-strive-for-gain-and-for-all-mortals/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [“I practice Dying--every night-- But have not learned to, still-- Though Talented--by Mortal bones-- For such a common Skill.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-w-powers/i-practice-dying-every-night-but-have-not-learned-to-still-though/) Alan W. 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I love life to death.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emmanuelle-riva/i-love-life-i-love-life-to-death/) [Emmanuelle Riva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emmanuelle-riva/) > [I think when you’re dying you start looking for important things in the corners. You can’t let anything that seems even semi-important pass, because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-crutcher/i-think-when-you-re-dying-you-start-looking-for-important-things-in/) [Chris Crutcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-crutcher/) [Browse all 39,127 Death quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/death/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. I have not much hope that Gollum can be cured before he dies, but there is a chance of it. 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