“War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.”
— J.R.R. Tolkien
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Simplified Meaning:
Sometimes we have to fight to protect ourselves from those who want to harm us completely. However, loving the weapons or the warriors just because they are powerful or fast is not important. It's not about admiring the sword for being sharp or the arrow for being quick. The real value lies in what these weapons and fighters are protecting. For example, a country might go to war to protect the freedom and safety of its people. It's not the act of fighting that's important, but the safety and peace of the families and homes that are at stake. This teaches us to focus on the reason behind our actions and what is truly worth protecting, rather than glorifying the tools or means used to achieve that protection.
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