‘There is of course the question of public safety,’ said Vetinari. ’Did I hear you say earlier you have blown up… “one or three” I think was the phrase?”
‘I made those explode a-purpose, to see exactly how it ‘appened. That’s the way to get knowledge, you see, sir.’
Raising Steam, Terry Pratchett
Regarding the first steam engine in Pratchett’s fictional world.
This quote made me read the book, and I wasn’t disappointed.
The overall arc of the Discworld is stunning; in retrospect, it recapitulates the rise of civilization well. Raising Steam is perhaps not the last book, but it wouldn’t be a bad place to stop if it were.
Raising Steam, Terry Pratchett
Regarding the first steam engine in Pratchett’s fictional world.
Relevant is the Amtal Rule on this same page: http://lesswrong.com/r/lesswrong/lw/jzn/rationality_quotes_april_2014/as28
This quote made me read the book, and I wasn’t disappointed.
The overall arc of the Discworld is stunning; in retrospect, it recapitulates the rise of civilization well. Raising Steam is perhaps not the last book, but it wouldn’t be a bad place to stop if it were.