Gods don't like people not doing much work. People who aren't busy all the time might start to think

Gods don't like people not doing much work. People who aren't busy all the time might start to think

In the world of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, the idea that "Gods don't like people not doing much work" is a prevalent theme that is explored in various ways throughout the books. The gods in Discworld are not the all-powerful, benevolent beings that many people imagine them to be. Instead, they are often portrayed as petty, capricious, and easily bored entities who demand constant attention and worship from their followers.

One of the ways in which this idea is explored is through the character of Anoia, the goddess of things that get stuck in drawers. Anoia is a minor deity who is constantly frustrated by the lack of attention and offerings she receives from her followers. In the novel "Thud!", Anoia becomes so fed up with being ignored that she decides to take matters into her own hands and starts causing chaos and mayhem in an attempt to get people to notice her.

Another example of this theme can be seen in the character of the Auditors, who are beings that exist outside of the normal order of the universe and are tasked with ensuring that everything runs smoothly. The Auditors are obsessed with order and efficiency, and they view any deviation from the norm as a threat to their existence. In the novel "Reaper Man", the Auditors become concerned when Death, one of the most powerful beings in the universe, decides to take a holiday and explore his human side. The Auditors see this as a dangerous disruption of the natural order and set out to rectify the situation by any means necessary.

Overall, the idea that "Gods don't like people not doing much work" is a recurring theme in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series that serves to highlight the absurdity and unpredictability of the divine. By portraying the gods as flawed and fallible beings who are just as susceptible to boredom and pettiness as mortals, Pratchett challenges traditional notions of divinity and explores the consequences of neglecting one's duties and responsibilities. In the world of Discworld, it is clear that idle hands are not just the devil's workshop – they are also a surefire way to attract the unwanted attention of the gods.