Ask yourself Quote by Terry Pratchett
““A streak of green fire blasted out of the back of the shed, passed a foot over the heads of the mob, and burned a charred rosette in the woodwork over the door. Then came a voice that was a honeyed purr of sheer deadly menance. "This is Lord Mountjoy Quickfang Winterforth IV, the hottest dragon in the city. It could burn your head clean off." Captain Vimes limped forward from the shadows. A small and extremely frightened golden dragon was clamped firmly under one arm. His other hand held it by the tail. The rioters watched it, hypnotized. "Now I know what you're thinking," Vimes went on, softly. "You're wondering, after all this excitement, has it got enough flame left? And, y'know, I ain't so sure myself..." He leaned forward, sighting between the dragon's ears, and his voice buzzed like a knife blade: "What you've got to ask yourself is: Am I feeling lucky?””
About This Quote
Source Book: Discworld – Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett, 1989
Vimes uses humor and a dangerous dragon to challenge the crowd’s fear, urging them to consider personal luck and agency.
In simple terms: He turns a terrifying scene into a question about luck and courage.
Key Takeaway
Ask yourself if you feel lucky and act despite fear.
Themes
courage
humor
leadership
perception
luck
Mood
defiant
wry
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
literary
When to use this quote
- public speeches
- crisis management
- team motivation
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
risk assessment
social influence
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you rely on luck or preparation?
- How does humor affect fear?
A Different Perspective
The joke may downplay real danger, risking complacency.
