--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If the abnormal goes on long enough it…" description: "\"“If the abnormal goes on long enough it becomes the normal. It was just that, when you came to explain it to a third party, it sounded odd.”\" — Terry P..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/974/terry-pratchett-19_third-party_if-the-abnormal-goes-on-long-enough-it-b_2087598.jpg" --- # If the abnormal goes on long enough it becomes the normal… ![“If the abnormal goes on long enough it becomes the normal. It was just that, when you came to explain it to a third party, it sounded odd.” quote by Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/974/terry-pratchett-19_third-party_if-the-abnormal-goes-on-long-enough-it-b_2087598.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/974/terry-pratchett-19_third-party_if-the-abnormal-goes-on-long-enough-it-b_2087598.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/974/terry-pratchett-19_third-party_if-the-abnormal-goes-on-long-enough-it-b_2087598.jpg) > ““If the abnormal goes on long enough it becomes the normal. It was just that, when you came to explain it to a third party, it sounded odd.”” [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. What is considered abnormal can become accepted if it persists, making it seem normal to outsiders. **In simple terms:** Normalizing abnormal over time. Key Takeaway Question assumptions about what is normal. Themes social norms perception change culture power Mood critical thoughtful Type philosophical observational When to use this quote - political discourse - media analysis - organizational change - public policy - education Key Concepts normalization social construction cognitive bias Questions to Reflect On - How do we identify when a harmful norm has become accepted? - What mechanisms can prevent harmful normalization? A Different Perspective It may overlook harmful practices that should be challenged. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Abnormal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/abnormal/) [Abnormal Goes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/abnormal-goes-4110482/) [Goes Long](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goes-long/) [Long Normal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-normal-4110483/) [Sounded Odd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sounded-odd-2862576/) [Third party](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/third-party/) ## Related quotes > [“I never talked about you much." I said to Hardy. My voice sounded odd to my own ears. 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I am as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-pratchett/but-i-did-not-return-until-half-past-four-this-morning-and-i/) [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) > [“The universe contains any amount of horrible ways to be woken up, such as the noise of the mob breaking down the front door,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-pratchett/the-universe-contains-any-amount-of-horrible-ways-to-be-woken-up-such/) [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) > [“Someone broke from the scrum and, punching and kicking, staggered towards the Klatchian goal. "Isn't that man your butler?" said Ahmed. "Yes." "One of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-pratchett/someone-broke-from-the-scrum-and-punching-and-kicking-staggered/) [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) > [It's an interesting fact that fewer than 17 % of Real cats end their lives with the same name they started with. 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'I'd like a hard-boiled egg,' said Vimes, shaking the match out.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-pratchett/you-d-like-freedom-truth-and-justice-wouldn-t-you-comrade-sergeant/) [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) > [“You are not apprehensive, are you? 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