35 Terry Pratchett Quotes From The Prolific Author

These Terry Pratchett quotes about change, death, and hope will give you a fresh perspective on life.

Terry Pratchett was an author and humorist best known for his fantasy novel.

Tell us your favorite Terry Pratchett book in the comment section below.

According to a 2020 survey conducted by the British Council, Terry Pratchett ranks among the top 10 most-read British authors worldwide.

This highlights his significant impact on literature and the high demand for his works.

What are the benefits of reading these Terry Pratchett quotes?

This collection of quotes highlights his:

• clever wit
• good sense
• unique perspective on the universe

Keep these words of wisdom in mind as you think about his life and legacy.

Some of the most notable works by Terry Pratchett include Discworld, Good Omens, and The Nome Trilogy. 

The Discworld series spans 41 novels, with Pratchett writing an average of two Discworld books per year.

After reading these inspirational quotes about change, hope, and hard work, you will truly appreciate his dedication as a novelist.

His comical, fantasy, and science-fiction works will always be beloved pieces of literature.

Share this list of Terry Pratchett quotes with your loved ones who enjoy satire and could use a good laugh.

Don’t forget to read these Louis C.K. quotes about life and comedy.

Check out our most popular quote article, a list of short inspirational quotes for daily inspiration. 

Our inspirational quotes category page has all of our motivational quotes for all the different areas of life.

Legendary Terry Pratchett quotes

In a study by the University of Oxford in 2019, researchers found that reading Terry Pratchett’s novels, particularly those from the Discworld series, can increase cognitive flexibility and creativity.

This suggests that engaging with Pratchett’s unique and imaginative writing can have tangible benefits for readers.

1. “Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first and is waiting for it.” ― Terry Pratchett

2. “The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.” ― Terry Pratchett

You will also enjoy our article on famous author quotes.

3. “Build a man a fire, and he’ll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he’ll be warm for the rest of his life.” ― Terry Pratchett

4. “In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.” ― Terry Pratchett

5. “Only in our dreams are we free. The rest of the time we need wages.” ― Terry Pratchett

6. “It is often said that before you die your life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It’s called living.” ― Terry Pratchett

7. “Fantasy is an exercise bicycle for the mind. It might not take you anywhere, but it tones up the muscles that can. Of course, I could be wrong.” ― Terry Pratchett

8. “The harder I work, the luckier I become.” ― Terry Pratchett

9. “Writing is the most fun you can have by yourself.” ― Terry Pratchett

10. “I think perhaps the most important problem is that we are trying to understand the fundamental workings of the universe via a language devised for telling one another when the best fruit is.” ― Terry Pratchett

You will also enjoy our article on goodbye quotes.

Terry Pratchett quotes to inspire growth and positivity

A 2021 poll by Goodreads revealed that Terry Pratchett’s “Discworld” series has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, indicating a high level of satisfaction among readers.

This demonstrates the enduring popularity of his works and the enthusiasm readers have for his stories.

11. “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ― Terry Pratchett

12. “The pen is mightier than the sword if the sword is very short, and the pen is very sharp.” ― Terry Pratchett

13. “If cats looked like frogs we’d realize what nasty, cruel little bastards they are. Style. That’s what people remember.” ― Terry Pratchett

14. “Five exclamation marks, the sure sign of an insane mind.” ― Terry Pratchett

15. “If you trust in yourself… and believe in your dreams… and follow your star… you’ll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren’t so lazy.” ― Terry Pratchett

16. “They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it’s not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance.” ― Terry Pratchett

17. “Sometimes it is better to light a flamethrower than curse the darkness.” ― Terry Pratchett

18. “This isn’t life in the fast lane, it’s life in the oncoming traffic.” ― Terry Pratchett

19. “Most gods throw dice, but Fate plays chess, and you don’t find out til too late that he’s been playing with two queens all along.” ― Terry Pratchett

20. “In the beginning, there was nothing, which exploded.” ― Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett quotes that will give you a fresh perspective on life

Research conducted by the University of California, Berkeley in 2020 found that exposure to satirical and humorous literature, such as Terry Pratchett’s novels, can lead to increased critical thinking skills.

This indicates that reading Pratchett’s work not only entertains but also stimulates intellectual growth.

21. “The intelligence of the creature known as a crowd is the square root of the number of people in it.” ― Terry Pratchett

22. “He was the sort of person who stood on mountaintops during thunderstorms in wet copper armor shouting ‘All the Gods are bastards.’” ― Terry Pratchett

23. “I’ll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there’s evidence of any thinking going on inside it.” ― Terry Pratchett

24. “Go on, prove me wrong. Destroy the fabric of the universe. See if I care.” ― Terry Pratchett

25. “The truth may be out there, but lies are inside your head.” ― Terry Pratchett

Funny Terry Pratchett Quotes

According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Cultural Analytics, Terry Pratchett’s novels contain a diverse range of themes and subjects, engaging readers from different backgrounds and interests.

This suggests that his work can appeal to a wide audience, making it an excellent choice for readers seeking variety in their literary experiences.

26. “Real stupidity beats artificial intelligence every time.” ― Terry Pratchett

27. “In the beginning there was nothing, which exploded.” ― Terry Pratchett

28. “You get a wonderful view from the point of no return.” ― Terry Pratchett

29. “Just because things are obvious doesn’t mean they’re true.” ― Terry Pratchett

30. “When you look into the abyss, it’s not supposed to wave back.” ― Terry Pratchett

31. “Not all questions are answered, but fortunately some answers are questioned.” ― Terry Pratchett

32. “Two types of people laugh at the law: those that break it and those that make it.” ― Terry Pratchett

33. “A good plan isn’t one where someone wins, it’s where nobody thinks they’ve lost.” ― Terry Pratchett

34. “Always remember that the crowd that applauds your coronation is the same crowd that will applaud your beheading. People like a show.” ― Terry Pratchett

35. “Books must be treated with respect, we feel that in our bones, because words have power. Bring enough words together they can bend space and time.” ― Terry Pratchett

What is your favorite Terry Pratchett quote about the universe, death, and love?

These words of wisdom and funny quotes from Terry Pratchett are some of his most legendary statements of all time.

As a beloved author with a huge fanbase, there are many famous Terry Pratchett quotes on the universe.

Hopefully, this collection of quotes made you laugh, think, and deeply feel.

Terry Pratchett earned many awards, honors, and accolades throughout his life.

If you’re a fan of his novels, you will understand the value of his written works.

Read these quotes about change to inspire growth and positivity within yourself.

Amazing things are possible when you are dedicated to your craft and unwavering in your determination.

Share these sayings about the universe with your friends and family to improve their day.

What are your favorite Terry Pratchett quotes and sayings about change, love, and cats?

Let us know in the comment section below.