Astrology Quote by Terry Pratchett
““Archbishop James Usher (1580-1656) published Annales Veteris et Novi Testaments in 1654, which suggested that the Heaven and the Earth were created in 4004 B.C. One of his aides took the calculation further, and was able to announce triumphantly that the Earth was created on Sunday the 21st of October, 4004 B.C., at exactly 9:00 A.M., because God liked to get work done early in the morning while he was feeling fresh. This too was incorrect. By almost a quarter of an hour. The whole business with the fossilized dinosaur skeletons was a joke the paleontologists haven't seen yet. This proves two things: Firstly, that God moves in extremely mysterious, not to say, circuitous ways. God does not play dice with the universe; He plays an ineffable game of His own devising, which might be compared, from the perspective of any of the other players, [ie., everybody.] to being involved in an obscure and complex version of poker in a pitch-dark room, with blank cards, for infinite stakes, with a Dealer who won't tell you the rules, and who smiles all the time. Secondly, the Earth's a Libra.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Discworld series, various novels
The quote satirically suggests that divine plans are inscrutable and whimsical, likening them to a mysterious, unwinnable game.
In simple terms: God's actions are mysterious and unpredictable.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty and find humor in life's mysteries.
Themes
humor
theology
uncertainty
philosophy
satire
Mood
playful
thoughtful
ironic
Type
satirical
philosophical
humorous
When to use this quote
- debates about creation
- science vs religion discussions
- philosophical reflections
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
Divine mystery
probability
cosmic irony
human limitation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we reconcile faith with scientific uncertainty?
- What does humor reveal about our coping mechanisms?
A Different Perspective
The analogy may oversimplify complex theological concepts.
