Are the Elves Foolish?

[Boromir88]

Let's give Frodo's statement about Elves a little bit of context. I've always liked the meeting with Gildor, because it provides a little bit of light-hearted banter between Frodo and the Elves (if I remember Gildor says hobbits were 'boring.' ) Anyway...

Gildor was silent for a moment. 'I do not like this news,' he said at last. 'That Gandalf should be late, does not bode well. But it is said: Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger. The choice is yours: to go or wait.'

Which promps Frodo's response about not going to the Elves for advice, as Gildor just said both 'yes and no.'

'And it is also said,' answered Frodo. 'Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.'

On a personal level, I found this rather funny because my niece tells me all the time I'm the same way, and gets angry as I say both 'yes and no.' It's not that the Elves are indecisive, or foolish, just that I don't think making decisions should be treated that simple.

To use Legate's example, it's not wise to make a decision if you don't know the positives and negatives of all the options. If you throw your support behind just one of the options (either 'rally behind Feanor' or 'stay away from him') that's arguably not good advice.

I've always believed 'good advice' in the way Gildor approaches it; to make a good decision you have to weigh all your options, not just one. Another key is leaving the choice up to the person making the decision.

'Here are the positives and negatives if you do this, here are the positives and negatives if you dont. Ok, now you make your choice.'

Which, of course to Frodo (and my niece) looks like you're saying 'yes and no.'

Gandalf always approaches it the same way, he can be at times more, how should I say, 'aggressive' but he always leaves the decision up to the individual. He doesn't force Denethor, Theoden, Saruman, or anyone to listen to his advice...Gandalf is all about the individual making their own decision.

'Now Theoden son of Thengel, will you hearken to me?...Do you ask for help?'~King of the Golden Hall