And its object is Art not power, sub-creation not domination and tyrannous re-forming of Creation.

And its object is Art not power, sub-creation not domination and tyrannous re-forming of Creation.

J. R. R. Tolkien

The quote emphasizes a fundamental distinction between two opposing approaches to creativity and influence. On one hand, it advocates for “Art” and “sub-creation,” which are seen as acts of genuine expression, imaginative creation, and positive transformation. On the other hand, it criticizes the pursuit of “power,” “domination,” and the forceful re-shaping of what already exists—often leading to oppression or destruction.

**Understanding Key Concepts:**

1. **Art vs. Power**: Art represents creativity, beauty, and personal expression. It seeks to inspire rather than control. In contrast, power often implies authority over others or manipulation for selfish ends.

2. **Sub-Creation vs. Domination**: Sub-creation refers to building upon existing ideas in a way that respects their integrity while adding new perspectives or values—think of an artist creating a painting based on nature but infusing it with personal vision. Domination implies an attempt to impose one’s will onto others or reshape reality without consideration for its original state or intrinsic worth.

3. **Creation’s Integrity**: The quote suggests that true artistic endeavor honors the complexities of creation itself rather than seeking to impose arbitrary order onto it.

**Application in Today’s World:**

In contemporary society, this idea is highly relevant across various fields such as art, business, technology, and personal development:

– **Creativity in Business**: Businesses can embrace innovation by encouraging creative thinking among employees instead of imposing rigid hierarchies that stifle originality. For instance, companies that foster an open environment where ideas can flourish tend not only to succeed creatively but also cultivate loyalty among their workforce.

– **Social Activism**: Activists who focus on empowering communities through education (sub-creation) instead of exerting control often see more sustainable change than those who push agendas through force (domination). This reflects the importance of dialogue and collaboration over authoritarian approaches.

– **Personal Development**: On an individual level, embracing this concept means prioritizing self-exploration and authenticity over societal pressures to conform or achieve status through competition alone. Personal growth arises from understanding oneself deeply—creating a life path based on passion rather than external validation.

In summary, this quote serves as a powerful reminder about the nature of engagement with our world—encouraging us toward creativity rooted in respect for what is already present rather than trying merely to assert control over it for selfish gain. Through recognizing this balance in both our professional pursuits and self-improvement journeys today we can effectively contribute positively while nurturing both ourselves and our communities.

Created with ❤️ | ©2025 HiveHarbor | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer| Imprint | Opt-out Preferences

 

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?