Punctuation Quote by Terry Pratchett
““I comma square bracket recruit's name square bracket comma do solemnly swear by square bracket recruit's deity of choice square bracket to uphold the Laws and Ordinances of the City of Ankh-Morpork comma serve the public truƒt comma and defend the ƒubjects of his ƒtroke her bracket delete whichever is inappropriate bracket Majeƒty bracket name of reigning monarch bracket without fear comma favour comma or thought of perƒonal ƒafety semi-colon to purƒue evildoers and protect the innocent comma comma laying down my life if neceƒsary in the cauƒe of said duty comma so help me bracket aforeƒaid deity bracket full stop Gods Save the King stroke Queen bracket delete whichever is inappropriate bracket full stop.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Discworld – Guards! Guards!, 1989
A humorous oath parodying bureaucratic rigidity, highlighting absurdities in legal language.
In simple terms: Mocking formal vows.
Key Takeaway
Simplify language, avoid needless formality.
Themes
bureaucracy
law
humor
absurdity
Mood
playful
ironic
Type
parodic
satirical
When to use this quote
- legal drafting
- ceremonial speeches
- role‑play games
Key Concepts
satire
ritual
authority
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we cling to archaic phrasing?
- Can sincerity survive in ritual?
A Different Perspective
Risk of trivializing serious duties.
