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"非常に賢い者でも全ての結末を見通すことはできない"

J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien Author
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Quote meaning
The core idea behind the quote is that no matter how knowledgeable or experienced someone is, they can't predict every possible outcome. It's a humbling reminder that our understanding is limited, and the future is inherently uncertain.

J.R.R. Tolkien wrote this in his epic fantasy series, "The Lord of the Rings." The character Gandalf, a wise wizard, says it to emphasize that even great wisdom has its limits. In the context of the story, the characters are making difficult decisions with incomplete information, and Gandalf's words serve as both caution and comfort—no one can foresee how every decision will play out.

Let's bring this idea down to Earth with a real-life example. Imagine a seasoned investor who's spent decades in the stock market. She's seen bull markets, bear markets, and everything in between. Despite her deep understanding of market trends and financial indicators, she can't predict every economic upheaval. Take the 2008 financial crisis, for instance. Even experts were blindsided by the collapse, showing that even the very wise, with all their data and experience, cannot see all ends.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, embrace humility. Accept that no matter how much you know, there will always be gaps in your understanding. This isn't a weakness; it's just reality. Second, remain adaptable. Since you can't predict every outcome, be ready to adjust your plans as new information comes to light. Lastly, don't be paralyzed by uncertainty. Make the best decisions you can with the information you have, and be at peace knowing that perfect foresight is impossible.

Now, let's get a bit more personal. Imagine you're planning a big move to a new city for a job opportunity. You’ve done your research—checked the cost of living, scoped out neighborhoods, even looked into the local foodie scene. You've answered all the big questions and made your checklist. But still, there's no way to foresee every challenge or opportunity that will come your way. Maybe you'll find a fantastic community that makes you feel at home, or perhaps you'll discover the job isn't quite what you expected. You're wise to plan, but accepting that you can't see all ends allows you to approach the move with a healthy blend of optimism and realism.

Think about the story of Steve Jobs and Apple's early days. Jobs was undoubtedly a visionary, yet even he couldn't see all ends. When he was ousted from Apple in 1985, it seemed like a huge setback. But this unforeseen twist led him to create NeXT and Pixar, experiences that ultimately benefited Apple when he returned in 1997. Jobs couldn’t see all ends, but he adapted and thrived despite the uncertainty.

In our everyday lives, we face countless decisions—some big, some small. Whether it's choosing a career path, investing money, or deciding where to live, we can plan and prepare all we want. But at the end of the day, we have to acknowledge that we can't predict every outcome. It's a reminder to stay humble, flexible, and courageous in the face of the unknown. So next time you're faced with a big decision, take a deep breath. Remember that even the very wise cannot see all ends, and that's okay. Embrace the journey with all its uncertainties, because that's where the real growth happens.
Related tags
Foresight Future Insight Knowledge Limitations Mystery Philosophy Prediction Uncertainty Wisdom
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