Common good Quote by Terry Pratchett
““I know about people who talk about suffering for the common good. It's never bloody them! When you hear a man shouting "Forward, brave comrades!" you'll see he's the one behind the bloody big rock and the wearing the only really arrow-proof helmet!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Discworld – “The Fifth Elephant”, 1999
People claim noble suffering, yet they hide behind self‑interest and safety.
In simple terms: Noble claims can mask selfish motives.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind lofty rhetoric.
Themes
politics
hypocrisy
power
morality
war
Mood
skeptical
ironic
Type
satirical
critical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- media analysis
- activism
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
self‑interest
propaganda
false heroism
Questions to Reflect On
- Who hides behind “common good”?
- How can we discern true intentions?
A Different Perspective
Not all who claim virtue are insincere; context matters.
