No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away
With the passing of Sir Terry Pratchett and the publication of The Shepherd’s Crown, I embarked on an epic re-reading of all 41 official Discworld novels, with the goal of finishing by 31 December, 2016.
Famous for its wit and wisdom, the series offers countless quotable quotes on a variety of subjects. The quotes I share should not be considered the whole of Sir Terry’s excellent prose; indeed, they are the tasty appetizers to a succulent, nourishing meal.
About Wyrd Sisters
Wyrd Sisters is the 6th Discworld novel and the 2nd book in the Witches’ Series. In this novel we are introduced to the Lancre coven of witches: Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick.
With more than a passing nod to Shakespeare, the book examines how destiny doesn’t always go according to plan.
The Goodreads Blurb:
Kingdoms wobble, crowns topple and knives flash on the magical Discworld as the statutory three witches meddle in royal politics. The wyrd sisters battle against frightful odds to put the rightful king on the throne. At least, that’s what they think…
To the Quotes!
The Librarian as he appears in The Discworld Companion, illustrated by Paul Kidby
Falling down a flight of stairs with a dagger in your back was a disease caused by unwise opening of the mouth.
In fact, it had already been caught by several members of the king’s own bodyguard who had been a little bit hard of hearing. There had been a minor epidemic.
Just because things are obvious doesn’t mean they’re true.
We’ve all passed a lot of water since then.
Though the thing with crowns is, it isn’t the putting them on that’s the problem, it’s taking them off.
Things that try to look like things often do look more like things than things. Well-known fact.
He said Verence died of natural causes.
Well, being assassinated is natural causes for a king.
So far around the twist you could use him to open wine bottles.
The duke had a mind that ticked like a clock and, like a clock, it regularly went cuckoo.
Everywhere’s been where it is ever since it was first put there. It’s called geography.
“She turned a pumpkin into a royal coach once,” said Nanny.
“Showy,” said Granny Weatherwax. “That’s no help to anyone, turning up at a ball smelling like a pie.”
It’s like rubber, is time. You can stretch it to suit yourself.
Greebo’s grin gradually faded, until there was nothing left but the cat. This was nearly as spooky as the opposite way around.
Compared to the Patrician of Ankh, Machiavelli could not have run a whelk stall.
Only in our dreams are we free. The rest of the time we need wages.
“Actors,” said Granny, witheringly, “as if the world weren’t full of enough history without inventing more.”
. . .
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Running In My Head 
So, you want to know why I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day . . .