Lord of the Rings: Going the Distance

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others

Mark Gedeon

8/24/20242 min read

green and wooden tunnel house
green and wooden tunnel house

Lord of the Rings: Going the Distance

We've all heard the saying, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others." At first glance, it might seem like a simple reminder about the benefits of teamwork, but this idea goes much deeper, especially when we look at stories like The Lord of the Rings.

Frodo Baggins is the perfect example of someone who might have been tempted to go it alone. With the weight of the One Ring pressing down on him, the path to Mount Doom was perilous and isolating. But Frodo didn't make the journey alone—and he couldn't have. It was the steadfast support of Samwise Gamgee, who famously said, "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you," that allowed Frodo to keep going when he could no longer bear the burden on his own.

But it wasn't just Sam who helped Frodo. The entire Fellowship, from Aragorn to Legolas and Gimli, provided guidance, protection, and friendship. Each member brought their unique strengths to the group, and together they accomplished what none could have done alone.

This journey illustrates the essence of the proverb. Sure, Frodo might have moved faster without the weight of worrying about others. But he wouldn’t have made it far. The challenges he faced required more than just speed—they demanded resilience, support, and a shared sense of purpose. The Fellowship’s strength came from their unity, and it was this unity that ultimately led to the destruction of the ring.

In life, as in Middle-earth, the road can be long and treacherous. Going fast is often tempting. It's the thrill of immediate results, the satisfaction of ticking off that to-do list in record time. But this approach can be a sprint in a marathon—a quick burst of energy that might leave you winded and alone when the finish line is still miles away.

Going fast might get you past a few obstacles, but it’s the steady, shared progress with others that leads to lasting success. So, when the path ahead seems daunting, remember Frodo and Sam, and take heart in the power of togetherness. It's not just about where you're going—it's about who you go with. Together, the group not only achieves more but also builds bonds that make the journey worth while.

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