Small Gods

all the tropes

Small Gods (allthetropes.org) The 13th Discworld novel and a standalone, although it uses some characters and locations from Pyramids and its events influence later works.

A man who is so exceedingly civil that for the sake of quietude and a peaceable name will silently see the community imposed upon, or their rights invaded, may, in his principles, be a good man, but cannot be stiled a useful one, neither does he come up to the full mark of his duty; for silence becomes a kind of crime when it operates as a cover or an encouragement to the guilty. Thomas Paine

Bishops move diagonally. That’s why they often turn up where the kings don’t expect them to be. Terry Pratchett, Small Gods
I used to think that I was stupid, and then I met philosophers. Terry Pratchett, Small Gods
Pets are always a great help in times of stress. And in times of starvation too, o’course Terry Pratchett, Small Gods
“What’s a philosopher ?” said Brutha. “Someone who’s bright enough to find a job with no heavy lifting,” said a voice in his head. Terry Pratchett, Small Gods

Small Gods (Wikipedia) Small Gods is the thirteenth of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels, published in 1992. It tells the origin of the god Om, and his relations with his prophet, the reformer Brutha. In the process, it satirises religious institutions, people, and practices, and the role of religion in political life.