LOTR as a life-principle book?

[Mister Underhill]

"Weltanschauung" simply means "world-view" or "philosophy".

I don't think they're identical topics, but I did and do think that people who are interested in this topic might also be interested in hearing what people have to say about how LotR helped shape their outlook on life (or didn't).

In the spirit of not junking up this thread with a slightly off-topic post about another thread, I'll mention that one powerful lesson that comes through in LotR -- almost subliminally, or as an underlying principle -- is the idea that good deeds inevitably require self-sacrifice. And that the reward for doing good is frequently only the knowledge that you have done so.

'Peace and freedom, do you say? The North would have known them little but for [the Rangers]. Fear would have destroyed them. But when dark things come from the houseless hills, or creep from sunless woods, they fly from us. What roads would any dare to tread, what safety would there be in quiet lands, or in the homes of simple men at night, if the Dúnedain were asleep, or were all gone into the grave? And yet less thanks have we than you. Travellers scowl at us, and countrymen give us scornful names. "Strider" I am to one fat man who lives within a day's march of foes that would freeze his heart or lay his little town in ruin, if he were not guarded ceaselessly. Yet we would not have it otherwise.'

There are a number examples of this principle in the Professor's work, many of which have been discussed here on the Downs at length. Values like integrity, honor, valor, and the like are not cheaply bought.

Yet Tolkien makes striving after the good seem admirable and attractive -- a feat which is too seldom attempted let alone accomplished in this cynical world.