TCG Letter #535 / Carpenter Letter #186

Tolkien dismisses the idea that his story is an allegory of atomic power. Tolkien mentions the significance of humility and equality as spiritual principles, criticizing their corruption in attempts to mechanize and formalize them, resulting in universal greatness and pride. Tolkien also shares his satisfaction when people are obliged to buy the book and not just borrow from a library, highlighting the practical challenges and costs involved in producing a work like The Lord of the Rings.