Hunnie
- The Cult of Success
It is exhausting to read so many paragraphs about "success," when what they're really talking about is adherence to the capitalistic ideal. The quality of our lives and the value of our existence is not determined by what job we have, or how much money we make, especially when most of our labor benefits wealthy strangers. To have a happy family, meaningful relationships, healthy routines, and to know oneself: that is success.
Terry Pratchett
- The Color of Magic
You can't map a sense of humor. Anyway, what is a fantasy map but a space beyond which There Be Dragons? On the Discworld we know that There Be Dragons Everywhere. They might not all have scales and forked tongues, but they Be Here all right, grinning and jostling and trying to sell you souvenirs.
Terry Pratchett
- Witches Abroad
"Blessings be on this house," Granny said, perfunctorily. It was always a good opening remark for a witch. It concentrated people's minds on what other things might be on this house.
Terry Pratchett
- Jingo
Night poured over the desert. It came suddenly, in purple. In the clear air, the stars drilled down out of the sky, reminding any thoughtful watcher that it is in the deserts and high places that religions are generated. When men see nothing but bottomless infinity over their heads they have always had a driving and desperate urge to find someone to put in the way.
Hunnie
- Facing Reality
It is easy to suggest that the key to success is "hard work" and "determination," particularly when you come from a background which supports these ideas. Occasionally, when all of the right pieces fall into place and the stars are aligned, hard work is sufficient, but for most people, the future is determined less by their actions and more by whatever set of circumstances they have been born into. True generational poverty cannot be overcome by hard work alone. Systems must change.
