Building blocks Quote by Alan Moore
““Perhaps in the process of reconstructing its corporeal form, this new and wholly original entity achieved a complete mastery of all matter; able to shape reality by the manipulation of its basic building blocks. When news of this being's phenomenal genesis was first released to the world, a certain phrase was used that has--at varying times--been attributed both to me and to others. On the newsflashes coming over our tvs on that fateful night, one sentence was repeated over and over again: 'The superman exists and he's American.' I never said that, although I do recall saying something similar to a persistent reporter who would not leave without a quote. I presume the remark was edited or toned down so as not to offend public sensibilities; in any event, I never said 'The superman exists and he's American.' What I said was 'God exists and he's American.' If that statement starts to chill you after a couple of moments' consideration, then don't be alarmed. A feeling of intense and crushing religious terror at the concept indicates only that you are still sane.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: V for Vendetta, 1982
The speaker claims a misquoted phrase about a superman, clarifies it was about God, and suggests that fear of such ideas shows sanity.
In simple terms: Misquote clarified; fear indicates sanity.
Question assumptions, seek clarity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public discourse
- personal belief
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does misquotation shape public perception?
- What does fear of divine concepts reveal about rationality?
Misquote may reflect broader cultural narratives.