Skip to content

What about the Vimes manual, then?" snapped Vimes. "I…

“What about the Vimes manual, then?" snapped Vimes. "I notice you've never bothered to learn how to use me!" The demon hesitated. "Humans come with a manual?" it said. "It'd be a damn good idea!" said Vimes. "True," murmured Angua. "It could say things like 'Chapter One: Bingeley bingeley beep and…” quote by Terry Pratchett
Download Open image
““What about the Vimes manual, then?" snapped Vimes. "I notice you've never bothered to learn how to use me!" The demon hesitated. "Humans come with a manual?" it said. "It'd be a damn good idea!" said Vimes. "True," murmured Angua. "It could say things like 'Chapter One: Bingeley bingeley beep and other damn fool things to spring on people at six in the morning," said Vimes, his eyes wild. "And 'Troubleshooting: my owner keeps trying to drop me in the privy, what am I doing wrong?””

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 humorous exchange highlighting the absurdity of treating a sentient being like a product with a user manual, emphasizing the clash between magical realism and bureaucratic expectations.

In simple terms: Humans jokingly imagine a manual for a magical creature.

Key Takeaway

Accept the unpredictability of sentient beings.

Themes

humor fantasy bureaucracy communication human‑monster relations

Mood

playful ironic

Type

literary dialogue

When to use this quote

  • role‑playing games
  • creative writing workshops
  • fantasy literature discussions
  • team building exercises

Key Concepts

Satire meta‑fiction character dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does treating a being like a tool affect relationships?
  • What does this reveal about human desire for control?
A Different Perspective

The joke may downplay genuine ethical concerns about autonomy.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Terry Pratchett

Explore all 3,328 Terry Pratchett quotes

More Damn good quotes

Browse all 275 Damn good quotes