By subscribing to Inspiring Quotes you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
One of the most beloved lines from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy is this bit of wisdom, imparted from the wizard Gandalf to the young hobbit Frodo. In the first book, 1954’s “The Fellowship of the Ring,” Frodo inherits a cursed ring and realizes he must take a frightening journey to destroy it. After confiding to Gandalf that he wishes the task had fallen to someone else, the wizard reminds Frodo that no one gets to dictate what challenges they face. Rather than lamenting unavoidable hardships, time is better spent focusing on the choices within our control, and making our time on Earth (or Middle-Earth) meaningful.
21 Inspiring Lyrics From '80s Songs
9 Memorable Quotes From TV Sitcoms From Each Decade
How Gen Z Sees the Future: 13 Quotes
11 Classic Quotes From 'The Brady Bunch'
12 Quotes on Faith From Religious Leaders Around the World
10 Quotes From Oscar Best Picture Winners
15 Prince Quotes on Art, Freedom, and Cool
12 Motivating Quotes From Winter Olympians
10 Quotes From Celebrities Born in August, From Hitchcock to Madonna
15 Quotes on Letting Go of Regret
16 Quotes on the Benefit of Sleep