Anton LaVey was the most righteous man I've ever known. He honored his immortality, and had more faith in his particular axioms than any armchair Christian vacantly reciting John 3:16 ever possessed. Yet, despite his cynicism and apocalyptic view of society, he often hoped for a better world, or at least one in which intelligence and creativity were applauded. I find more respect for humanity in his blackest humor than in the passionless zealotry that perpetuates all other conventional religions. Even if I had never agreed with a word he said, it would be irresponsible not to appreciate the sheer brilliance with which it was spoken - not to mention his having the balls to come out and speak it.

I've come to realize that the truth is often unwanted or believed to be a lie. In a world so full of shit, Anton LaVey cut through it with the best of them.

Someone once asked me for the secret to my success. I answered that if they weren't smart enough to figure it out on their own, they didn't deserve to know; and if I told them, it wouldn't be a secret anymore. Fortunately for me and for the all of us, Anton LaVey shared his magic, and I think it has made this wretched fucking planet a better place.

Thank you for your support and inspiration,

Marilyn Manson