Tolkien Fans - Past, Present and Future

[Glofin]

Okay, so I decided to start this thread just to see what some other people in the Middle Earth community think about the books/movies/middle earth world now that they are older and have the ability to influence other people, including their children. How did Tolkien's books influence them? What lessons did they learn? Does it matter to them as much now as it did then? In short, how

I was a Tolkien fan before the movies came out. My dad read me both The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings, and even, if I recall correctly parts of the Silmarillion. So when the movies came out, it was a big deal to me. Sure, at the time I engaged in some of the petty rivalry between book purists and movie fans. Now though, I just enjoy it all. The books are obviously the most "pure" because Tolkien actually wrote them, however, the movies are a very beautiful vision of the books even if there inconsistent plot devices.

Pretty much throughout my childhood, I was a Tolkien fan. Sure I enjoyed other things too, but Middle Earth was it for me. But what did I learn? What was the impact on my young mind from these stories and characters I spent so much time delving into?

I think I learned an appreciation of home. That it should be something cozy and comfortable. Open to friends and strangers. That it’s always good to have a few spare things in the cupboards to offer guests. Certainly an appreciation for nature, for all things green and living, especially trees. That there are interesting places beyond our doorstep, and adventure. An interest in wisdom, as well as knowledge.

On the negative side I did use it as a bit of an escape from the “real world”. But a lot of that was due to things going on at home, and what I felt was a lack of appreciation for beauty and value in our world (a complex philosophical issue of its own, difficult to look at objectively). But as I got older, and found more direction and purpose in my life (not all those who wander are lost) I found that there were things of incredible value in our own world too, not everything was modern, materialistic and mundane.

Now, I’m done with my undergraduate studies. I’m working a job soon to be full time, and I’m in Graduate School . Did Middle Earth give me any answers for my life? No, not really. But it started me out searching. It was a major factor in motivating me to look for people and things beyond the circumstances and environment I was born into.

Characters like Aragorn, Boromir, and Theoden showed me heroes how could shine despite with their own faults or disadvantages. Characters like Gandalf, Elrond, and Faramir showed me that wisdom often tempers actions better than knowledge alone. Characters like each of the hobbits showed me the values of friendship and perseverance. At least, that’s what I got out of it.
But what did other people get out of their experiences? As a guy with a psychology background I know that concepts (even in stories) we invest a lot of time in have an impact on us. Would any or all of you read LOTR or The Hobbit to your kids should you have any? Did Tolkien impact your philosophy, or outlook on life? If so, I’d like to hear about it.

Sincerely,
--- A Long-time Tolkien Fan