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The captain glared at him. The sergeant put on the poker…

“The captain glared at him. The sergeant put on the poker face that has been handed down from NCO to NCO ever since one protoamphibian told another, lower-ranking protoamphibian to muster a squad of newts and Take That Beach.” quote by Terry Pratchett
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““The captain glared at him. The sergeant put on the poker face that has been handed down from NCO to NCO ever since one protoamphibian told another, lower-ranking protoamphibian to muster a squad of newts and Take That Beach.””

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.

A military tradition of stoic composure is passed down through ranks, highlighting absurdity in hierarchical rituals.

In simple terms: Sergeants keep a poker face as a tradition.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and question outdated customs.

Themes

military culture tradition absurdity

Mood

sarcastic dry humorous

Type

literary satirical

When to use this quote

  • army life
  • leadership training
  • team building
  • rituals

Key Concepts

hierarchy social conditioning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does tradition shape behavior?
  • When is it okay to break the poker face?
A Different Perspective

Such stoicism can suppress genuine emotion and hinder communication.

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