"A Philologist on Esperanto" in The British Esperantist (May 1932).
• Years later, in an incomplete draft of a letter (1956; quoted more extensively below) he stated that Esperanto and other constructed languages like Volapuk, Ido and Novial were "dead, far deader than ancient unused languages, because their authors never invented any Esperanto legends."
• Years later, in an incomplete draft of a letter (1956; quoted more extensively below) he stated that Esperanto and other constructed languages like Volapuk, Ido and Novial were "dead, far deader than ancient unused languages, because their authors never invented any Esperanto legends."
“
My advice to all who have the time or inclination to concern themselves with the international language movement would be: 'Back Esperanto loyally.'
— J. R. R. Tolkien
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "My advice to all who have the time or inclination to concern themselves with the international language movement would be: 'Back Esperanto loyally.'" in the context of ""A Philologist on Esperanto" in The British Esperantist (May 1932).
• Years later, in an incomplete draft of a letter (1956; quoted more extensively below) he stated that Esperanto and other constructed languages like Volapuk, Ido and Novial were "dead, far deader than ancient unused languages, because their authors never invented any Esperanto legends."" to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "J. R. R. Tolkien" (Quotes, 1930s)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
Tags
About J. R. R. Tolkien
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (January 3 1892 – September 2 1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor, most famous for his classic high fantasy works.
About J. R. R. Tolkien
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (January 3 1892 – September 2 1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor, most famous for his classic high fantasy works.
View all quotes →