Hogfather (Discworld, #20; Death, #4)

by Terry Pratchett

“Oh, it’s largely intuitive, Archchancellor,” said Ponder. “Obviously you have to spend a lot of time learning it first, though.

“You could think of it like that,” said Ponder, carefully. “Of course, Hex doesn’t actually think. Not as such. It just appears to be thinking.” “Ah. Like the Dean,” said Ridcully. “Any chance of fitting a brain like this into the Dean’s head?”

“Amazin’,” he said again. “He just looks as though he’s thinking, right?” “Er . . . yes.” “But he’s not actually thinking?” “Er . . . no.” “So . . . he just gives the impression of thinking but really it’s just a show?” “Er . . . yes.” “Just like everyone else, then, really,” said Ridcully.