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Tolkien Reading Day: Lessons from Middle-earth for the Business World

March 25th is Tolkien Reading Day—a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and ethical leadership. But what can Middle-earth teach businesses today?

Patrizia MarzialiCOO

3 min read

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Social Awareness

Did you know that March 25th marks Tolkien Reading Day, an annual celebration of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, organized by the Tolkien Society? But why March 25? In The Lord of the Rings, this is the date when the One Ring was destroyed in Mount Doom, symbolizing the triumph of hope over despair. But beyond the world of hobbits and wizards, Tolkien’s themes resonate deeply in our human world—and even in business.

 

The Power of Stories: Why Tolkien Still Matters

Tolkien’s work is more than just epic fantasy. It explores resilience, leadership, innovation, and the ethics of power—concepts that apply far beyond Middle-earth.

Think about Frodo’s journey. He doesn’t win with brute force but through persistence, trust in his team (even when they falter), and understanding the long game. Sound familiar? It should. This is what navigating business, technology, and leadership looks like.

 

Why Middle-earth Matters in Our Business World

Let’s break it down:

1. Resilience in the Face of Chaos

The Fellowship faces endless obstacles—treacherous paths, betrayals, and overwhelming odds. Yet they persist. Businesses, especially in tech, often face disruption, competition, and unexpected shifts. The ability to adapt, push forward, and innovate despite challenges is key.

2. Diversity in Teams Leads to Strength

Would the quest have succeeded with only humans? Probably not. Hobbits, elves, dwarves, and even an Istari wizard all brought unique strengths to the table. In business, diverse teams foster creative problem-solving and help companies stay ahead of competition. A mix of perspectives leads to stronger, more resilient strategies.

3. The Danger of Power Without Ethics

Tolkien’s work warns about unchecked power. The One Ring corrupts, no matter who holds it. In today’s business world, think about data privacy, AI ethics, and corporate responsibility. Just because technology allows us to do something doesn’t mean we should. Ethical decision-making ensures long-term success and trust.

4. Small Actions Can Change the World

Frodo and Sam weren’t kings or warriors—they were ordinary hobbits. Yet, their persistence changed the fate of Middle-earth. In business, innovation often comes from small but bold decisions. Startups disrupting industries, a single developer creating a groundbreaking tool, or an engineer solving a critical problem—small actions build toward massive change.

 

What This Means for Us

At Ridiculous Engineering, we believe in the power of well-built, resilient systems—whether it’s an ecommerce platform, CMS solution, bespoke software, or helping businesses navigate digital transformation. Just like Tolkien’s world-building, good technology requires thought, planning, and vision.

And if you think about it, building software isn’t so different from crafting an epic adventure. You need a solid team, a long-term vision, and the flexibility to adapt when challenges arise. Plus, avoiding crippling tech debt? That’s basically avoiding your own version of Mordor.

 

A Journey Worth Taking

Whether you’re a Tolkien fan or just someone who appreciates a good story, March 25th is a reminder that perseverance, teamwork, and ethical leadership are timeless values. So, pick up The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings today—and maybe find a little inspiration for your own journey.

After all, as Gandalf says, “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

 

At Ridiculous Engineering, we help businesses build technology that lasts—no shortcuts, no unexpected dragons, just smart, scalable solutions for the journey ahead.  Ready to build something resilient? Let’s talk—your adventure starts here.

 

Read More about this day:

Tolkien Society: Tolkien Reading Day 2025 

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