The weakness of man

[drigel]

Elves represent mankind in an "unfallen state", as pointed out by the author. Thats us - still walking around naked in Eden (omg thats an ugly mental picture isnt it??). In some ways, he treats the "gift of men" as the same as the bible treats the gift of the apple. "Men are weak and elves are not" is (IMO) a weak premise

Its the type of weakness that counts. In LOTR, the weakness referred to men is primarily the desire for rule or power over others, and the little (or lack of) moral temprament that was invlolved in achieving said power.... right?

By the 3rd age - yea there werent a lot of elves (particularly Noldorian) around who had that particular condition. But there were plenty in the 1st age and to a lesser extent the 2nd age as well. Desire for power, ego, hubris - you name it.

Would "resistance to change" be considered a weakness by the 3rd age? Did that help, hinder, or have no effect on the big mission of the time?

[rutslegolas]

I think you all are going to kill me for making this statement,but nonetheless I say that men are weak , weak in the sense " greedy , self-centrered " they do not care about the future generations but rather about their present state.

Like for example - Boromir even though he knew he could use the ring for good,he still wanted it for himself ,to become the King ,have all the power,and rule as a dictator. Giving another example I say Ar-Pharazon though he was a Numenorean he still desired power,wealth,immortality .

Baring the exceptions of Aragorn and Faramir all the men in Middle-Earth lived for their own sake caring not for future generations.

Unlike men the Elves seem to be of a higher make Immortal , thoughtful and they seem to think more of the future than care for the present . And I say that men can be ensnared by evil more easily than elves or even dwarves .