Navigating The Power of Temptation: Lessons on Humility, Self-Awareness, and Self-Control
One of the themes that J. R. R. Tolkien made applicable to us in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings was that power and possessions can take control over us. You can read more about this applicability in Applicability: Tolkien’s View on the Organic Meaning of Stories. One such example for us to learn from is at the beginning of The Fellowship of the Ring (Book 1), when Gandalf told Bilbo Baggins he should give the ring that had the power to make him invisible to Frodo Baggins. “Gandalf stood up. He spoke sternly. ‘You will be a fool if you do, Bilbo,’ he said. ‘You make that clearer with every word you say. It has got far too much hold on you. Let it go! And then you can go yourself, and be free’” (p. 34). Gandalf recognized what the power and possession of the ring was doing to Bilbo.
In this conversation it was like Bilbo became a different person. Bilbo replied, “‘But you won’t get it [the ring]. I won’t give my Precious away, I tell you.’ His hand strayed to the hilt of his small sword” (p. 34). The key word here is “precious.” This is what the evil creature Gollum. Gollum had talked baby talk to the ring calling it “My precious.” Now Bilbo sounded just like him. This was such a stark reminder how we can sometimes fall into the trap of letting power gained and possessions take over and turn us into a different person.
We’ve all seen this happen, or let it happen to us. I know I have. It was good that Gandalf was there to have the difficult conversation with his friend. From Bilbo’s reluctance to give up the Ring and Gollum’s obsession with “precious,” we can learn about the dangerous allure of temptation, particularly power and possessions, can grip even the most unsuspecting or well-meaning individuals.
Bilbo’s initial hesitation highlights how powerful the Ring’s influence is, subtly pulling him into its web and blurring his judgment. Similarly, Gollum’s obsession demonstrates how attachment to such a corrupting object can consume one’s identity and morality.
These scenes in The Fellowship of the Ring remind us to be mindful of attachments or desires that may seem harmless at first but can ultimately lead to loss of self-control and wellbeing. It also speaks to the importance of recognizing the corrupting power of temptation early and choosing the path of humility, self-awareness, and restraint. These leadership attributes are vital both in stories like Tolkien’s and in our own lives.
Tolkien As A Learner
“Those who had asked for more information about hobbits eventually got it, but they had to wait a long time; for the composition of The Lord of the Rings went on at intervals during the years 1936 to 1949, a period in which I had many duties that I did not neglect, and many other interests as a learner and teacher that often absorbed me.” I love this statement by J. R. R. Tolkien in the foreword of the second edition of The Fellowship of the Ring. Tolkien was indicating that those interested in hobbits, and by extension, his broader Middle-earth universe, had to be patient as he took time to develop these stories. This suggests he valued meticulous storytelling and was willing to take the necessary time to craft his world thoroughly.
I am inspired by Tolkien calling himself a learner. Specifically saying, “…interests as a learner” suggests that Tolkien viewed himself as someone who was continually growing and developing, both as a writer and as a person. As a person who considers himself a long-life learner and advocates continuous learning for all, it really resonated with me that he would include that statement in the foreword.
Tolkien’s statement reflects his humility, openness to new ideas, and a recognition that mastery is an ongoing journey rather than a final destination. This attitude indicates that Tolkien valued learning from his experiences, feedback, and the process of creating his stories, which in turn demonstrates his dedication to improvement and a humble respect for the craft of writing.
Applicability: Tolkien’s View on the Organic Meaning of Stories
Studying J. R. R. Tolkien has been very interesting and has caused me to do a great deal of deep thought and research. Tolkien repeatedly said he did not like or appreciate allegory. This really caused me to pause because I always saw his connection to Christianity as allegorical. But as I studied more about it I learned Tolkien was drawing on his own experiences and making his stories applicable, not allegorical. In the foreword of the second edition of The Fellowship of the Ring, Tolkien made it crystal clear for me, saying, “I much prefer history, true or feigned, with its varied applicability to the thought and experience of readers. I think that many confuse ‘applicability’ with ‘allegory’; but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author.” He was right. I had been confused.
Tolkien’s comment in the foreword highlights a key distinction between ‘applicability’ and ‘allegory’ in literature. When he says that ‘applicability’ resides in the freedom of the reader, he means that readers can take different themes, lessons, or messages from his work and interpret them in ways that resonate personally with their own experiences. If you’ve read any of Tolkien’s work, you know it does just that. This allows for a diverse range of understandings and connections.
Conversely, ‘allegory’ involves the author’s deliberate intention to embed specific meanings or messages that serve a particular purpose or point of view. When an author uses allegory, they are guiding the reader toward a predetermined interpretation, which can sometimes feel like a form of control or “domination” over how the story is understood.
Tolkien went on to say, “An author cannot of course remain wholly unaffected by his experience, but the ways in which a story-germ uses the soil of experience are extremely complex, and attempts to define the process are at best guesses from evidence that is inadequate and ambiguous.” Our experiences matter and are part of our stories.
Tolkien emphasized that his stories are open to interpretation. He wanted us to realize that the meanings are applicable in various ways to different readers. He did not want readers of his works to be constrained by rigid allegorical constrictions that attempt to dictate how they must be understood. This perspective respects our imaginative freedom and the organic way stories can hold different meanings for different people.
Creating A Clear Perception Of Fairness
I was reading about some December 2025 Gartner survey research of 2,947 employees and managers in a Harvard Business Review article (“The Case for Performance-First Management”) yesterday. To give some context here, the article was using recent data to move us from the post-pandemic people-first management we have been focused on to a more balanced approach. This balance involves still being human centered, but also having performance and productivity as part of the leadership scheme. As the article said, “Flexibility and care remain important—but they become tools in service of outcomes, not the outcomes themselves.” I loved this as it really brings to life being human centered.
One of the points made was that leaders need to “create a clear perception of fairness.” At first, the word perception threw me off. I was thinking more in terms of “perception” not always being right, but always being reality. In the context used in the article, however, it really was a promising practice for leaders to create a clear perception. “Create” was the operative word there. As a person who believes in leading with justice as an attribute, we need to create an environment that is visibly fair.
We create that clear perception of fairness by practicing transparency, consistent decision-making, and open communication. This involves explaining the reasons behind our choices, applying policies evenly across all team members, and actively listening to concerns. Recognizing and addressing biases, involving team members in decision processes when appropriate, and providing constructive feedback also help foster trust. When we demonstrate integrity and prioritize equitable treatment, it reinforces a sense of fairness and encourages a positive, collaborative environment. Doing so brings the performance of our teams and organizations to the forefront.
Leading Without Giving Way To Pride
It has been an incredible journey studying C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. One of the influential pieces of literature for both Lewis and Tolkien was Beowulf. I just finished reading Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf. I can see why this narrative length poem influenced them. I’ve already blogged about parts of Beowulf that caused me to pause and reflect in Beowulf: No Ordinary Leader, Unveiling Power: Exploring the Themes and Legacy of Beowulf, Humility and Integrity: The Path to True Strength and Lasting Honor. Both Lewis and Tolkien wrote a lot about “pride” and that is also a recurring theme in Beowulf.
One of the leadership traits that Lewis and Tolkien bring forward in their works is “humility.” Lewis taught us the difference between good pride and pride as a vice. We should be proud of our own work and accomplishments, but never at the expense of making ourselves out to be better than someone else. In line 1760, Beowulf is exhorted to be mindful of the fragility of life. Beowulf is told: “Choose, dear Beowulf, the better part, [line 1760] eternal rewards. Do not give way to pride. For a brief while your strength is in bloom…” Being told not to give way to pride means that Beowulf should avoid letting arrogance or excessive self-confidence cloud his judgment and actions.
Pride can lead to recklessness or losing sight of humility and moral integrity. The story emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership and heroism, suggesting that true greatness comes from virtues like humility and respect, rather than boastfulness or overconfidence. By remaining humble, Beowulf can uphold his honor and ensure that his strength and achievements are used wisely and ethically. There is a lot we can learn from Beowulf’s example.
Don’t Freak Out Till You Leave The Room!
I get to work in a lot of spaces where different technology is used for projection and audio. For the most part I pride myself in being pretty low maintenance. I always try to get myself up and running and do my own troubleshooting. This past week for facilitating the National FFA Teacher Ambassador training we start the week with one screen and progress to four screens. Our tech person, Andy, for that event is the greatest. He always remembers me (relationship) and he knows the little quirks (personalized) that my computer has. When we move to multi-screens my adapter does not work. It works everywhere around the world (literally) except our four screen setup. The day I walked in to hook up for four screens system Andy was there. He said, “I marked this adapter and know it is the one that works for you.” Now, if that is not individualized service, I don’t know what is! That’s also the power of relationships.
Andy has never said, “Well Byron, the problem is you have a Mac.” If you want to make me mad that is what you say. Stupidest comment ever. Like I’m going to Amazon and instantly get a PC! Anyway, Andy is always super calm and is always able to make adjustments to make everything work. I shared with him that there are some places I walk into and am stressed till everything works. We I walk into an event with him I am stress free, set everything up, and if it works, great; if it doesn’t work, Andy’s immediately got my back.
It is truly about how we show up. Do we show up looking at the problem? Or, do we show up looking for the solution? This reminds me of MacGyver. Remember him? He didn’t freak out; he looked for solutions. This all reminded me of a post I did in 2019, MacGyver Intersectional Leadership. I asked Andy what the key was to his success as a technology specialist. What he said was awesome: “Don’t freak out till you leave the room!” Good advice!
The Impact of the Two-Way Street of Influence
One of the sessions I did while facilitating alongside the incredible National FFA team at this past week’s National FFA Teacher Ambassador training was titled “Who Do I Influence”. In that session we discussed that influence starts with relationships and is about impact not status. Our legacy is the sum total of the influence we’ve had on others. That legacy is important. It is what is left behind after conversations, after we hit send on texts and emails, how we show up, being available, and how we include and help others belong.
We are influencing and being influenced every moment of every day.
Every year when I cover this topic with ambassadors I also remember how important those who have influenced me are. Great leaders not only embrace the opportunity to influence, but also accept responsibility for who is influencing them. I get the incredible opportunity to be influenced by a great leader with National FFA who has been influencing me for over twenty years.
Ambra Tennery, now director of educational programs in the program and events division of the National FFA Organization, and I were together for her entire teaching career. I had the opportunity to see her in action when she was student teaching and from that moment on I was in recruitment (stalking) mode. I wanted to teach with her! A close friendship and professional bond was forged that still exists today; a bond over two decades old. This relationship taught me that influence is a two-way street. Ambra came into our agriculture program with fresh ideas, incredible teaching skills and strategies, and a natural talent for forming relationships with students. I was learning from her every day!
This two-way street of influence is about growth and learning for everyone involved. Ambra and I were open to influence, we gained new insights from each other and challenged each other’s assumptions, which helped us both expand our horizons. Today, we continue to stay receptive to each other’s feedback, adapting our approaches if needed. Ambra is a great leader and I am so fortunate to have a front seat to continue to witness and experience that leadership. This bidirectional process has cultivated a deep sense of partnership, empowering each of us to evolve and grow. Ultimately, a healthy exchange of influence nurtures collaboration, innovation, and even deeper connections.
Influence really is a two-way street. Let’s make sure we are impacting others like those who have impacted us along the way. Also, let’s make sure we don’t miss the opportunity to be influenced by someone else. We need to travel the two-way street of influence.
Stretching The Moments
This week I did a week-long facilitation and the “vibe” was incredible. Usually, I am not a night owl in the hotel bar, because I want to be fresh and recharged for each day of being “on”. But as I said, the vibe was incredible. I found myself having a tough time making it through the lobby and bar without stopping every three feet to talk to another group of participants. It was so great to be connecting and building relationships. These are important moments at an event.
As time went on, people kept commenting, “I thought you were going to bed two hours ago.” I thought I was too, but there was so much warmth and enjoyment being shared. It signified that the individuals were engaging and memorable enough to make time seem like it flew by. Instead of feeling pressured to leave quickly, I allowed myself to savor the moment, deepen relationships, and create lasting memories. This lingering atmosphere was fostering stronger connections, making the event more meaningful for everyone involved.
Moreover, such moments highlight a sense of comfort and genuine camaraderie. We all valued each other’s presence and the fun or meaningful conversations we shared. It transformed the experience from a simple social obligation into an enjoyable ritual, where the focus is on connection rather than deadlines. In a way, stretching out these moments showcases that quality time is worth cherishing, even if it means delaying bedtime for a little while longer.
Humility and Integrity: The Path to True Strength and Lasting Honor
A couple of passages that really jumped out at me while reading Beowulf were, “No life is immune to danger: Hrothgar’s experience proves it” and “Beowulf is exhorted to be mindful of the fragility of life ‘O flower of warriors, beware of that trap. Choose, dear Beowulf, the better part, eternal rewards. Do not give way to pride.’” The first quote suggests that no matter how powerful, respected, or established someone is, everyone is vulnerable to threats and peril. In the context of Beowulf, Hrothgar’s story serves as an example showing that even a wise and successful king faces dangers, such as the monster Grendel. It underscores a universal truth that danger is an inherent part of life, and no one is completely safe from harm, regardless of their status or strength.
The second quote is advice to Beowulf to be mindful of life’s fragility and to choose eternal rewards over pride. This highlights an important perspective on danger. It reminds us that beneath the physical threats like the monster, Grendel, there’s a spiritual and moral dimension to danger. True bravery involves humility and awareness of one’s mortality, emphasizing that reckless pride can lead to downfall. Recognizing life’s fragility encourages us to act wisely and ethically, understanding that danger is not just external but also internal. Our choices and attitudes shape how we face risks. This perspective underscores that real strength lies in humility and moral integrity, which can help one navigate dangers more sensibly and ultimately attain lasting honor.
Beowulf: No Ordinary Leader
I am so glad I am reading Beowulf. It is an incredibly inspiring story. Yesterday I was inspired by Beowulf to write, Unveiling Power: Exploring the Themes and Legacy of Beowulf. I am at the point in the poem now where Beowulf has killed Grendel. This made me think of what J. R. R. Tolkien said to friend W. H. Auden about his love for Beowulf:
“The overthrow of Grendel makes a good wonder-tale, because he is too strong and dangerous for any ordinary man to defeat, but it is a victory in which all men can rejoice because he was a monster, hostile to all men and to all humane fellowship and joy.”
I believe Tolkien called Beowulf a wonder-tale because he believed it embodied the qualities of a classic myth or legend that inspired awe and awe-inspiring storytelling. The term “wonder-tale” emphasized its timelessness, the presence of extraordinary deeds, heroic characters, and elements of the supernatural. Tolkien saw it as a foundational story that captured the imagination, celebrated heroism, and conveyed profound themes about good versus evil, honor, and mortality. By referring to it as a wonder-tale, Tolkien acknowledged its status as a remarkable and enduring piece of literary and cultural heritage that continues to inspire wonder and admiration to this day.
Reading Beowulf offers valuable lessons about courage, loyalty, and the importance of reputation. It teaches us that true heroism involves facing our fears and protecting those we care about, even in the face of great danger. Additionally, the poem highlights the significance of honor and integrity, reminding us that our actions define our legacy. Ultimately, Beowulf inspires us to live bravely and uphold noble values, leaving a lasting impact on both ourselves and society.
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