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Doe Quote by Margaret Atwood

“A Paradox, the doughnut hole. Empty space, once, but now they've learned to market even that. A minus quantity; nothing, rendered edible. I wondered if they might be used-metaphorically, of course-to demonstrate the existence of God. Does naming a sphere of nothingness transmute it into being?” quote by Margaret Atwood
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“A Paradox, the doughnut hole. Empty space, once, but now they've learned to market even that. A minus quantity; nothing, rendered edible. I wondered if they might be used-metaphorically, of course-to demonstrate the existence of God. Does naming a sphere of nothingness transmute it into being?”

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview on Consumer Culture, 2015

The quote uses a doughnut hole as a metaphor for how even emptiness can be commercialized, questioning whether naming something creates reality and suggesting a deeper philosophical inquiry about existence.

In simple terms: Even emptiness can be turned into a product, prompting thoughts about naming and reality.

Key Takeaway

Consider how language shapes perception of what exists.

Themes

consumerism philosophy metaphor existence language

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • marketing analysis
  • product design
  • philosophical debate
  • theological reflection

Key Concepts

commercialization semantic creation theology material culture

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to "market" emptiness?
  • Can naming truly create being?
A Different Perspective

Naming alone does not guarantee existence; cultural context determines meaning.

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