Computers Quote by Terry Pratchett
““The machine couldn’t be stopped and certainly shouldn’t be destroyed, the wizard said. Destroying the machine might well cause this universe to stop existing, instantly. On the other hand, the Post Office was filling up, so one day Chief Postal Inspector Rumbelow had gone into the room with a crowbar, had ordered all the wizards out, and belted the machine until things stopped whirring. The letters ceased, at least. This came as a huge relief, but nevertheless, the Post Office had its Regulations, and so the chief postal inspector was brought before Postmaster Cowerby and asked why he had decided to risk destroying the whole universe in one go. According to Post Office legend, Mr. Rumbelow had replied: “Firstly, sir, I reasoned that if I destroyed the universe all in one go, no one would know; secondly, when I walloped the thing the first time, the wizards ran away, so I surmised that unless they has another universe to run to they weren’t really certain; and lastly, sir, the bloody thing was getting on my nerves. Never could stand machinery, sir.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Discworld – The Light Fantastic, 1986
A bureaucratic official chooses to sabotage a dangerous magical machine, rationalizing his actions with selfish and pragmatic reasons, highlighting the absurdity of authority and the consequences of reckless decisions.
In simple terms: A postal inspector destroys a magical machine to stop chaos, using self‑serving logic.
Question authority when it endangers reality.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Government oversight
- magical technology
- risk assessment
- personal annoyance
- public safety
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do officials have when faced with unknown threats?
- Can personal bias justify dangerous actions?
The decision is driven by personal irritation rather than genuine concern for the universe.