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Comment by mcphilip | Hacker News Reader

The first celebrity death that hit me hard. I've read all fourty Discworld novels, some of them 4 or 5 times. His books taught me to approach the world with a twinkle in my eye and a smile quick to come out -- a good change from the cynicism of my teens.

So many memories... he wrote amazing characters.

Dorfl, a Golem who figured out how to program himself (via writing his own scrolls to feed into his head). His fireproof nature made him a great firefighter and a constant nuisance on the street of small gods since he'd engage in rational debates and was not deterred by the prospect of hell -- the first fireproof athiest.

Death quipping to his grandaughter, Susan, when asked why people taught kids to believe in lies like the tooth fairy: SO THEY'LL BELIEVE IN THE BIGGER LIES AS ADULTS, LIKE JUSTICE AND EQUALITY.

I could go on forever, but I'll leave with one last quote from Death:

THERE IS NO JUSTICE, THERE IS JUST US

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The magic of Discworld was always that you quoted characters and never Pratchett in person.

It was never the narrative that was quoted, nor the framing - but the words of the Character themselves (Vimes, Brutha, DEATH, Susan, Granny, Moist or Rincewind).

And that stands out whenever someone makes a comic - http://imgur.com/gallery/DXDvM

Note to self: campaign for zenpencils to make one - "Mr Pratchett, Him Diamond".

I don't feel sad for Mr Pratchett today, he was spared of his greatest worry - living in dementia. I do feel sad that we're all poorer in literature that delights and critiques modern society ("Echo-gnomics", heh).

This hit me hard too. Discworld was like a lifeboat that kept me sane while growing up in the bible belt.

I am really optimistic about the current rate of technological advancement, maybe in a couple decades Death will be conquered and Man will be immortal. That said, may he rest in peace, and may Discworld live on!

> His books taught me to approach the world with a twinkle in my eye and a smile quick to come out -- a good change from the cynicism of my teens.

I know what you mean. I think you'll enjoy Diana Wynne Jones then, who along with Brian Jacques and Terry Pratchett helped me through some depressing times, with their charming worlds and characters who were refreshingly devoid of malicious cruelty even when playing the villain.

> THERE IS NO JUSTICE, THERE IS JUST US

I don't think that's a Pratchett original. It was a Ruthless Rap Assassins track before Reaper Man, and I suspect it wasn't original then either. If anybody knows where it originates I would like to know.

> THERE IS NO JUSTICE, THERE IS JUST US

That quote was used in the Discworld novel Mort in 1986, when death was talking to his apprentice. According to Wikipedia, Ruthless Rap Assassins' first album was in 1990 and Reaper Man came out in 1991. I'm sure you are right that other's likely have said it previously.

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