Skip to content

...but William felt in his bones that you couldn't run a…

“...but William felt in his bones that you couldn't run a city on the basis of what the Watch liked. The Watch would probably like it if everyone spent their time indoors, with their hands on the table where people could see them.” quote by Terry Pratchett
Download Open image
““...but William felt in his bones that you couldn't run a city on the basis of what the Watch liked. The Watch would probably like it if everyone spent their time indoors, with their hands on the table where people could see them.””

Terry Pratchett

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Effective governance requires more than popular opinion; it needs practical, inclusive policies that serve all citizens.

In simple terms: Good leadership goes beyond what people like.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize practicality over popularity.

Themes

governance leadership society

Mood

analytical serious

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • city management
  • community meetings
  • political campaigns

Key Concepts

public policy urban planning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance public desire with necessity?
  • What mechanisms ensure inclusive decision‑making?
A Different Perspective

Popular demand may conflict with essential services.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Terry Pratchett

Explore all 3,328 Terry Pratchett quotes

More Discworld quotes

Browse all 179 Discworld quotes