It was said that [Vetinari] would tolerate absolutely…
![“It was said that [Vetinari] would tolerate absolutely anything apart from anything that threatened the city*... [Footnote] And mime artists. It was a strange aversion, but there you are. Anyone in baggy trousers and a white face who tried to ply their art anywhere within Ankh's crumbling walls…” quote by Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/7ba/terry-pratchett-19_art_it-was-said-that-vetinari-would-tolerate_2473799.jpg)
““It was said that [Vetinari] would tolerate absolutely anything apart from anything that threatened the city*... [Footnote] And mime artists. It was a strange aversion, but there you are. Anyone in baggy trousers and a white face who tried to ply their art anywhere within Ankh's crumbling walls would very quickly find themselves in a a scorpion pit, on one wall of which was painted the advice: Learn The Words.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Vetinari tolerates everything except threats to the city, even absurd ones like mime artists, illustrating strict control over civic order.
In simple terms: Only city threats are intolerable.
Key Takeaway
Protect the city above all else.
Themes
authority
control
city safety
absurdity
Mood
wry
critical
Type
satire
commentary
When to use this quote
- public events
- street performances
- law enforcement
Key Concepts
political power
censorship
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a legitimate threat?
- How far should authority go to preserve order?
A Different Perspective
Even harmless acts can be suppressed under strict governance.