Art Quote by Terry Pratchett
![“It was said that [Vetinari] would tolerate absolutely anything apart from anything that threatened the city*... [Footnote] And mime artists. It was a strange aversion, but there you are. Anyone in baggy trousers and a white face who tried to ply their art anywhere within Ankh's crumbling walls…” quote by Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7ba/terry-pratchett-19_art_it-was-said-that-vetinari-would-tolerate_2473799.jpg)
““It was said that [Vetinari] would tolerate absolutely anything apart from anything that threatened the city*... [Footnote] And mime artists. It was a strange aversion, but there you are. Anyone in baggy trousers and a white face who tried to ply their art anywhere within Ankh's crumbling walls would very quickly find themselves in a a scorpion pit, on one wall of which was painted the advice: Learn The Words.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Discworld – Guards! Guards! (1990)
Vetinari tolerates everything except threats to the city, even absurd ones like mime artists, illustrating strict control over civic order.
In simple terms: Only city threats are intolerable.
Key Takeaway
Protect the city above all else.
Themes
authority
control
city safety
absurdity
Mood
wry
critical
Type
satire
commentary
When to use this quote
- public events
- street performances
- law enforcement
Key Concepts
political power
censorship
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a legitimate threat?
- How far should authority go to preserve order?
A Different Perspective
Even harmless acts can be suppressed under strict governance.
