Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.
Versions of this sentiment can be found in the lessons of the world's greatest teachers, Laozi and Jesus and Buddha among them.
To me, the key to Gandalf's lesson is the importance of empathy, even for those who have been corrupted by evil. Empathy isn't the same as justification or forgiveness, but a recognition that all of us are corruptible beings, and the distinction between the fate of Gollum and the fate of Bilbo may be found in a single choice. There but for Grace go I.
It's not always easy to hew to Gandalf's admonishment. But I think in that empthy there is also a seed of hope. Because the line that divides Bilbo from Gollum is so thin, there is always hope that we can resist temptation and make the right choice. We can ask for Grace and receive it.
Peter Krevenets and 14 other people liked this
This was said to Gandalf when Frodo Baggins believed him to be dead. It shows the surrender of Frodo to Gandalf seemingly before all beings.