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Meme phrase originating in a Castlevania game.

Summary

What is a man? is a deep intellectual question asked by an atheist and apathetic Dracula who is about to be slain for the 100th time by his enemy. He answers his own question by informing the player character that a man is, in fact, a miserable little pile of secrets. For the original video, see the gallery at the bottom.

Origins

The phrase originated in the 1997 Playstation game, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. In the beginning segments of this game, the character controls Richter Belmont as he confronts Dracula. Their badly voice acted conversation is below.

Richter: Die monster! You don't belong in this world!
Dracula: It was not my hand that I am once again given flesh. I was called here by humans, who wish to pay ME tribute.
Richter: Tribute? You steal men's souls, and make them your slaves!
Dracula: Perhaps the same could be said of all religions.
Richter: Your words are as empty as your soul! Mankind ill needs a savior such as you.
Dracula: What is a man? A miserable little pile of secrets! But enough talk, have at you!

PSP Version:

Richter: Dracula. Die now, and leave this world! You'll never belong here!
Dracula: Oh, but this world invited me. Your own kind called me forth with praise and tribute.
Richter: Tribute? You're a thief. You steal men's souls, their freedom....
Dracula: Freedom is always sacrificed to faith, good hunter. Or are you truly here by choice?
Richter: All I'm here for is you. To hell with your heresy! You're nothing but a blight on mankind.
Dracula: Ha! Mankind. A cesspit of hatred and lies. Fight for them, then, and die for their sins!

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