This quote from Gandalf really captures the essence of Allison Howard’s essay, The South African Storm. Allison discusses the issue of how conventional thinking can influence our instincts and cause us to act with a racist attitude. She suggests that even though she alone cannot fix the past or do anything to change racism around the world, she does have the power to change her own everyday actions. Those small actions change the present in the lives of those around her, which is what really matters. This idea is supported by Gandalf’s quote, which states small, daily actions defeats the greatest conflicts, which would be institutionalized racism in Allison’s essay. From my own personal observations, I have found that Gandalf’s saying is true. When I witness bullying happening around me, adult intervention does not always put an end to it. Instead, when other individuals of the same age stand up for each other, the bullies have less power over them. The more we include and accept others for their differences in our daily lives, the less opportunities bullies will have to take advantage of another’s weakness. Hence, this philosophy presented by Gandalf and Allison provides insight on making the world a better place.