War of the Ring dominates, but is not absolutely everything", and furthermore "Nor is the end of the Ring a purely voluntary, willed and idealistic renunciation": the addiction is not broken by a single choice. Instead, he argues, that is brought about by "countless acts of courage, kindness and help, both small and great, from unknown people and forces, in unforeseen circumstances, that together provide an opportunity to do the right thing." That in turn is accompanied by "a commitment to the simple good things of life – food, water, green and growing things", making "an appreciation of life itself, at once natural and spiritual" the value that succeeds. Curry sees this as offering hope in the real world, and the principal message of Tolkien's writings. Curry cites the moment when Sam is saved from the Ring's temptation: Saruman, a Wizard not a warrior, expresses the temptation to Gandalf, in the hope of persuading him, as "Knowledge, Rule, Order". The Episcopal priest and Tolkien scholar Fleming Rutledge writes that Saruman's triad is capitalised "as though they were Powers. They sound oppressive, like Nazi slogans ... in the German fashion". She notes the half-elf Elrond's description of the lust for power: "strength, domination, and hoarded wealth", which Elrond contrasts with another triad, "understanding, making, and healing". She explains that these "softer, gentler" things are "more powerful than any conventional weapons". References Primary This list identifies each item's location in Tolkien's writings. Secondary Sources Addiction Themes of The Lord of the Rings Power (social and political) Books about political power