(min 15:00) could it be that the hobbit’s naivete (as with small town beginnings) is what gives them courage? Those of the world are hardened, hurt, experienced - Who else could have made the considerable sacrifice? Hobbiton is green world, youthful but not young: that hasn’t been robbed of innocence; is not yet robbed of its natural state (all those trees) but is quickly becoming comfortable with ease and accumulating bounty. True, it is knowledge(awareness) that darkens doors and where, in that confrontation, that weakness/inability/destructive tendencies are brought to light, but isn’t it ONLY there that they are revealed!? To have known his weakness prior would have been prohibitive, urging that reluctance (as it does). Is anyone more, or less, willing to extend their being after experiencing darkness or pain?
Perhaps it is the (small town) innocence that necessarily leads to recognition of goodness, and then in confrontation with a less hospitable world, incites a desire for good, and to be shared. The desire for good (not curiousity - curiousity is the pull of the world and susceptibility is individual - that was pippin’s challenge) and acting upon it, even in or after failure, is what gives a soul the ability to experience the sublime. It is Frodo’s desire for good, and resilience to the power of the ring (mixed with failure) that leads him to the sublime. The sublime (God as power, 7th heaven?) is only found in these places, and is both a gift and a debilitation (thorn). The Cross.
(ps 30:00) is there also a strain of self righteousness in converting the alive sense of certainty at 18 to a time of arrogance ? - loss of confidence is not always humility, it can be shame; it can be despair, it can be pride or capitulation.
Anyway, great podcast - thanks!
