Or better, kinda disagree with you. Every word and idea you typed in was correct, but I totally believe you missed the mark by taking Tolkien literally when he talks of our desire "to lead boring lives."
The points you make have the power of truth behind them, real essence-of-life stuff. But I truly think Tolkien meant "boring" in the sense of less exciting than battling orcs and ringwraiths. Tolkien's life, from what I've read, is one where he certainly reveled in the "simple pleasures" and kept things in balance. At the same time he took his spiritual goals seriously enough that he had the good sense to become Catholic. ;)
And Tolkien's other life, that which he created thru his books, also praises with great praise the value of a "boring" life. Hobbits didn't have a Christ to worship, true, but they certainly enjoyed the intrinsic good in the world someone created. Nor was theirs a simple epicurean life either. All I'm saying is that Tolkien's life and works, to me, lead one to believe that a "boring" life is preferable to constantly fighting for your life (or bigger causes), and that the peacetime in the world is desirable and a time for better, healthier pursuits.
On a similar note, Aquinasfan, I've always held that anyone who is bored has real problems. Life's too short, the world too fascinating, to not have something to do. P.J O'Rourke wrote about a corollary to this belief that I hold true. Without an understanding of God and his creation, it's no wonder how so many people would rather take up a gun and fight an endless, pointless battle. Their "boring" state truly is boring, at best; at worst it's a hateful, miserable existence. When the glory of God hasn't touched their lives they turn to the only rush they know - killing, and avoiding being killed.
Nothin' like avoid work as long as possible the morning before a four-day weekend, huh?
I've seen things in the woods that would curl your limp, stringy hair.
Fact over fiction is the best. Try reading William Manchester.
Good Bye Darknessis a good one to start.
I don't recollect that Tolkien stated this. This is a quote from the good reverend who wrote this article. If I'm wrong, please tell me what writing of Tolkien's this quote is from.
I remember reading his bio more than two decades ago, and if my memory serves me correctly, Tolkien hated war. He lost his best friend in WWI. Trench warfare. Nasty stuff. Much of his experience during the war influenced his writing.