Said Vimes Quote by Terry Pratchett
““You know what?' said Vimes aloud. 'This is going to be the world's first democratically killed dragon. One man, one stab.' Then you've got to stop them. You can't let them kill it!' said Lady Ramkin. Vimes blinked at her. Pardon?' he said. It's wounded!' Lady, that was the intention, wasn't it? Anyway, it's only stunned,' said Vimes. I mean you can't let them kill it like this ,' said Lady Ramkin insistently. 'Poor thing!' What do you want to do, then?' demanded Vimes, his temper unravelling. 'Give it a strengthening dose of tar oil and a nice comfy basket in front of the stove?' It's butchery!' Suits me fine!' But it's a dragon! It's just doing what a dragon does! It never would have come here if people had left it alone!' Vimes thought: it was about to eat her, and she can still think like this. He hesitated. Perhaps that did give you the right to an opinion...””
About This Quote
Source Book: Discworld Series, Discworld: Guards! Guards!, 1989
A character debates whether to kill a wounded dragon, highlighting moral conflict between mercy and practicality.
In simple terms: Debating killing a wounded dragon raises moral questions.
Key Takeaway
Consider compassion over convenience.
Themes
morality
conflict
compassion
pragmatism
Mood
tension
reflective
thoughtful
Type
ethical
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- battlefield decisions
- wildlife rescue
- political negotiation
- personal ethics
Key Concepts
ethical dilemma
animal rights
heroism
consequences
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justified to end suffering quickly?
- How do we balance empathy with practicality?
A Different Perspective
Mercy may conflict with survival instincts or societal expectations.
