--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They opened the ledger. They looked at it…" description: "\"“They opened the ledger. They looked at it for a long time. Then Mort said, “What do all those symbols mean?” “Sodomy non sapiens,” said Albert under h..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b93/terry-pratchett-19_long-time_they-opened-the-ledger-they-looked-at-it_2535665.jpg" --- # They opened the ledger. They looked at it for a long time… ![“They opened the ledger. They looked at it for a long time. Then Mort said, “What do all those symbols mean?” “Sodomy non sapiens,” said Albert under his breath. “What does that mean?” “Means I’m buggered if I know.” quote by Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b93/terry-pratchett-19_long-time_they-opened-the-ledger-they-looked-at-it_2535665.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b93/terry-pratchett-19_long-time_they-opened-the-ledger-they-looked-at-it_2535665.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b93/terry-pratchett-19_long-time_they-opened-the-ledger-they-looked-at-it_2535665.jpg) > ““They opened the ledger. They looked at it for a long time. Then Mort said, “What do all those symbols mean?” “Sodomy non sapiens,” said Albert under his breath. “What does that mean?” “Means I’m buggered if I know.”” [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. A character confronts incomprehensible bureaucracy, highlighting absurdity of overcomplicated systems. **In simple terms:** Bureaucracy can be nonsensical. Key Takeaway Question assumptions, seek clarity. Themes bureaucracy absurdity communication Mood ironic skeptical Type satirical humorous When to use this quote - office work - legal paperwork - government forms - academic research Key Concepts Satire existential confusion language barriers Questions to Reflect On - How do you react when faced with opaque information? - What strategies reveal hidden meaning? A Different Perspective Complex systems often hide simple truths. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ledger Looked](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ledger-looked-1386020/) [Long time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-time/) [Mort Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mort-said-1386023/) [Opened Ledger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opened-ledger-1386024/) [Said Symbols](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/said-symbols-1386022/) [Symbols Mean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/symbols-mean-1386021/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [“Hey," He croaked. "You. Arrogant bitch ghost." "I'm not really into this whole hero thing," Mort said. "Don't have the temperament for it. Don't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-butcher/hey-he-croaked-you-arrogant-bitch-ghost-i-m-not-really-into-this/) [Jim Butcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-butcher/) > [A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. 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