If one really wants to read the content while also respecting the wishes of the author, perhaps it would be possible to steam roll the hard drive and then foren

If one really wants to read the content while also respecting the wishes of the author, perhaps it would be possible to steam roll the hard drive and then forensically extract the data. The alternative would be to shoot the drive into space, then retrieve it later (for example by taking it on a manned space mission and back). Or, if one is extra cheeky. One copies the data before destroying the drive. Perhaps Pratchett would even appreciate following the words, but not the intention of the command.