He found that he had this sudden desperate longing for the fuming, smoky streets of Ankh-Morpork, which was always at its best in the spring, when the gummy sheen on the turbid waters of the Ankh River had a special iridescence and the eaves were full of birdsong, or at least birds coughing rhythmically

But then science is nothing but a series of questions that lead to more questions.

...the little man's total obliviousness to all forms of danger somehow made danger so discouraged that it gave up and went away.

Technically, the city of Ankh-Morpork is a Tyranny, which is not always the same thing as a monarchy, and in fact even the post of Tyrant has been somewhat redefined by the incumbent, Lord Vetinari, as the only form of democracy that works. Everyone is entitled to vote, unless disqualified by reason of age or not being Lord Vetinari.

Or -- and this she knew was a far more accurate way of looking at it -- the book was true and reality was lying.

Getting an education was a bit like a communicable sexual disease.

I reckon responsible behavior is something to get when you grow older. Like varicose veins.