A fave quote

[mahnmut]

"Some talk of Alexander and some of Hercules, of Hector and Lysander and such great names as these. In fact, throughout the history of the Multiverse people have said nice things about every cauliflower-eared sword-swinger, at least in their vicinity, on the basis that it was a lot safer that way. It's funny how the people have always respected the kind of commander who comes up with strategies like "I want fifty thousand of you chappies to rush at the enemy", whereas the more thoughtful commanders who say things like "Why don't we build a damn great wooden horse and then nip in at the back gate while they're all round the thing waiting for us to come out" are considered only one step above common oiks and not the kind of person you'd lend money to.

This is because most of the first type of commanders are brave men, whereas cowards make far better strategists."

from Eric, by Terry Pratchett.

Comments

[abomvubuso.livejournal.com]

Funny and very true. Eric is my fave Pratchett book, though i generally like the most the books where Death is the main character (see icon). But Rincewind aint bad either. The two movies they made on the Colour of Magic / Light Fantastic and the Hogfather were outstanding and typically...British. Maybe becuz Pratchett himself was hired as a consultant to the writers.

And Odysseus, the prototype of Laveolus from the book Eric, to whom this quote refers to, is in fact my fave figure in all literature, because i somehow associate myself with him. So, a very good selection, i should say!

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

Oh yes. I recall that dramatization of the Iliad that you and your pals presented on scene.

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

I somehow knew you'd be the one to respond ;-)

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

Frankly, I admit that I was thinking of you while I was making this post.

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

And I think you're contemplating too much. Pratchett should be read within one gulp to feel the whole delight from his work. The moment you start focusing on the picture, it starts blurring away.

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

I know. Like sewing tapestry to trade it for little puppies with the dust children.