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Choice Quote by Terry Pratchett

“Supposing there was justice for all, after all? For every unheeded beggar, every harsh word, every neglected duty, every slight... every choice... Because that was the point, wasn't it? You had to choose. You might be right, you might be wrong, but you had to choose, knowing that the rightness or…” quote by Terry Pratchett
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““Supposing there was justice for all, after all? For every unheeded beggar, every harsh word, every neglected duty, every slight... every choice... Because that was the point, wasn't it? You had to choose. You might be right, you might be wrong, but you had to choose, knowing that the rightness or wrongness might never be clear or even that you were deciding between two sorts of wrong, that there was no right anywhere. And always, always, you did it by yourself. You were the one there, on the edge, watching and listening. Never any tears, never any apology, never any regrets... You saved all that up in a way that could be used when needed.””

Terry Pratchett

About This Quote

Source Novel: Small Gods, Terry Pratchett, 1997

When faced with ambiguous moral choices, individuals must act alone, bearing the weight of consequences without external validation.

In simple terms: You must decide alone even when right and wrong are unclear.

Key Takeaway

Accept responsibility for your choices.

Themes

morality individualism responsibility

Mood

reflective somber determined

Type

philosophical literary inspirational

When to use this quote

  • making tough decisions
  • leadership
  • personal reflection
  • conflict resolution
  • self‑reliance

Key Concepts

ethical ambiguity personal agency existential burden

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to act without regret?
  • How do you cope with moral uncertainty?
A Different Perspective

Choosing can be paralyzing when no clear right exists.

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