Tradition versus Progress in Discworld Books
The tension between cultural traditions and the forces of modernization, change, and progress.
Featured in 6 books
Best Discworld Books About Tradition versus Progress
- 7
Pyramids
Teppic, trained as an assassin, inherits his father's kingdom complete with ancient pyramids whose magic begins to warp reality itself. He must untangle myth from reality to save his kingdom from oblivion.
Questions tradition and blind faith, emphasizing the struggle between progress and cultural stagnation.
Main characters: teppic, dios, ptraci, you bastard and dil the embalmer
- 13
Small Gods
In Omnia, the Great God Om returns in the form of a powerless turtle, visible only to the simple-minded novice Brutha. Together, they challenge dogmatic belief and restore faith's true meaning.
A powerful exploration of religion, belief, fanaticism, and morality showing how institutions often overshadow genuine faith.
Main characters: brutha, the great god om, vorbis, didactylos and general simony
- 23
Carpe Jugulum
Lancre is invaded by modern, sophisticated vampires who defy traditional weaknesses. Granny Weatherwax and her coven face their toughest challenge yet, testing their magic and resolve.
Questions moral relativism, modernity's moral compromises, and the struggle between tradition and progress.
Main characters: granny weatherwax, nanny ogg, agnes nitt, magrat garlick, king verence, count magpyr family and mightily oats
- 33
Going Postal
Con-man Moist von Lipwig must revive Ankh-Morpork's defunct post office, becoming an unlikely hero in a battle against corporate greed and corruption.
Examines redemption, the ethics of business practices, and the impact of technological progress versus tradition.
Main characters: moist von lipwig, adora belle dearheart, lord vetinari, stanley howler, tolliver groat, mr pump and reacher gilt
- 36
Making Money
Moist von Lipwig tackles another challenge revitalizing Ankh-Morpork's troubled banking system while dealing with family secrets, corruption, and an over-ambitious golem.
Critiques financial systems, greed, trust, and innovation, highlighting the fragile illusion that underpins economies.
Main characters: moist von lipwig, adora belle dearheart, lord vetinari, mr bent, cosmo lavish, hubert turvy and gladys
- 40
Raising Steam
Moist von Lipwig champions Discworld's industrial revolution with steam-powered trains, facing sabotage, politics, and progress itself.
Highlights the impact of technological and industrial revolutions, societal progress, and the tension between innovation and tradition.
Main characters: moist von lipwig, dick simnel, harry king, low queen blodwen, lord vetinari, sam vimes, adora belle dearheart and grag ardent