The Dao of Hobbits

Tolkien was known for his devout Catholicism, but it seems to me that there are elements of Daoism in his work -- even among the hobbitry of the Shire in the first chapter.  Surely hobbits tend to be "Honest, like unhewn wood," like the scholars referenced in chapter 15 of the Daodejing.  Hobbits "Manifest plainess," "Embrace simplicity," and make few their desires, as chapter 19 of that ancient text recommends.  And chapter 31 of the Daodejing declares "Peace and quiet are the highest ideals," which could be the motto for the Shire.

Even more interesting is to consider Tolkien's enigmatic Road as a variation on the mystical Dao, or Way, itself.  "A Long-Expected Party" contains the following beautiful poem:

The Road goes ever on and on
   Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
   And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it withe eager feet,
   Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
   And wither then?  I cannot say.

Compare Bilbo's sentiments there with the following reference to the Dao:

A Way that can be followed is not a constant Way.
A name that can be named is not a constant name.  (Ch. 1)

In The Lord of the Rings it becomes clear that "The great undertakings in the world all begin with what is small" (Ch. 63).  And Tolkien might have had great sympathy for the idea that "the world is a spiritual vessel and cannot be put to use / Those who use it ruin it. / Those who grab hold of it lose it." (Ch. 29).

I don't mean to suggest that Tolkien was precisely a Daoist, but his appreciation for nature, mysticism, and simplicity suggest a deep connection between his thought and the ancient, nimble verses of Laozi's Daodejing -- a connection that, perhaps, springs straight from the paths and ways of Nature itself.

[All quotations from the Daodejing in this post come from Philip J. Ivanhoe's translation: Hackett, 2002]