Cities Quote by Terry Pratchett
“Only Ron's dog was watching William. He considered that it had, for a dog, a very offensive and knowing look. A couple of months ago someaone had tried to hand William the old story about there being a dog in the city that could talk. (...) The dog in front of William didn't look as if it could talk, but it DID look as if it would swear.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Discworld series, specificThe Truth, 2000
A dog’s stare can appear both innocent and threatening, suggesting hidden judgment or contempt, highlighting how perceptions can be misleading.
In simple terms: Appearances can hide true intentions.
Key Takeaway
Question your assumptions about others.
Themes
perception
judgment
communication
Mood
wry
observational
Type
humorous
insightful
When to use this quote
- social interactions
- first impressions
- conflict resolution
- storytelling
Key Concepts
literary satire
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the dog’s look reveal about bias?
- When might a neutral gaze be misread as hostile?
A Different Perspective
Assuming hostility may cause unnecessary conflict.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
