The most popular live-action incarnations of Superman are possibly the ones portrayed by Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill, but they are arguably far from the best versions of the superhero. That honor might be best suited to the DC Animated Universe version, who had a long tenure filled with character development.

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This Superman headlined multiple shows across several years, during which viewers heard him impart valuable words that not only conveyed what Superman was all about but could also be applied in real life. That said, here are 10 of his best quotes and the context in which these words were spoken.

10 "When I Betray Trust, I Must Be Held Accountable."

Although Superman has always been a vigilante, he has kept the responsibility of his actions squarely on his own shoulders. Perhaps, this is why he’s been so willing to show his face, as it brings transparency for his actions.

Even though Darkseid had controlled Superman’s mind to attack Earth, the latter held himself responsible for breaking the trust people had kept in him. Although he wasn’t really to blame, it did signify how Superman wasn’t willing to live Scott-free with what happened, which would have been the easy way.

9 "I Once Thought I Could Protect The World By Myself. But I Was Wrong."

The formation of the Justice League started with these words, as Superman figured out the best way he could repay the people's trust after the debacle with Darkseid. After the heroes had averted the Martian invasion crisis, it was Superman who proposed forming the league.

Superman realized that taking responsibility came in the form of accepting his flaws. Despite having so many powers, he knew that he couldn’t protect everyone. For this reason, the greatest hero faction was created.

8 "You Always Think The Worst Of People - It Gives You An Edge...But It Also Blinds You To The Possibility Of Trusting Anyone."

DCAU

The difference between Superman and Batman is night and day. The former sees the good in people, even when there might not be much to see; conversely, the latter instantly assumes the worst-case scenario.

While Batman has been able to be the greatest detective due to this innate distrust of everyone, he still doesn’t have the peace of mind that things will work out. Superman, on the other hand, could be content knowing that he gave someone a chance. Even if that faith was misplaced, at least he was willing to listen. He said as much to Batman when advising him that not everyone's the bad guy.

7 "Goodbye, Old Friend. In The End, The World Didn't Really Need A Superman. Just A Brave One."

One of the saddest moments of the series was the death of Superman’s friend Dan Turpin at the hands of Darkseid. After being the only one to defy him, Darkseid blew Turpin to smithereens with his Omega beams.

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Once Darkseid left, the town mourned Turpin’s death, with Superman acknowledging that the latter had truly been braver than the rest. To Superman’s credit, the fact that he placed Turpin on a higher pedestal than himself showed his selfless nature.

6 "I Heard You Were Crazy, I Didn't Think You Were Stupid."

The first meeting between Batman and Superman in the DCAU was one for the ages. As Batman was able to capture a thug to question him, Superman stepped in to calm things down, only to be slammed through a table by Batman.

Rather than take it like a good boy, Superman instantly made use of his super-speed, knocking the wind out of Batman and incapacitating him. Batman understood, then, that he was facing a man who wasn’t going to fear him like every other person, and that attacking Superman was a stupid move.

5 "Batman, It's Really You!"

A lot of people accuse Superman of being overtly pleasant, even though his wide variety of powers are perfect for a darker character. However, these softer moments, such as when Superman embraced Batman, are what makes the superhero so likable.

As it happened, the Justice League had just returned from an alternate timeline where Batman was a military leader. When Superman saw his own universe’s Batman, his happiness knew no bounds as he ran straight for his friend and pulled him in for a hug, making this a sweet and friendly moment.

4 "...Never Even Made It To My First Merit Badge."

Superman isn’t the boy scout everyone makes him out to be, at least not completely. When The Flash tried to appeal to the conscience of Justice Lords' version of Superman, the latter still went in for the kill before being stopped by the Prime Universe Superman.

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After Flash admitted his disappointment that he couldn’t get through the Justice Lords Superman, the Prime version revealed that he’d also been tempted to become the totalitarian his counterpart had become; however, Superman kept it at bay by reminding himself of the greater good.

As for being a boy scout, Superman confessed he never got any badges because of his mischievousness. This was meant to represent how nobody is perfect, even Superman.

3 "The Real Test Of Honor Isn't How You Die. It's How You Live."

A big deal is made out about a “good death” and DC characters, in particular, hold this in high esteem. After all his experiences and across all the worlds he’d been to, DCAU Superman learned that a good death just wasn’t all that cut out to be.

Superman understood that it was a person's legacy that mattered the most, and for that to happen, he had to live out his life in the best way possible. It was a hopeful sentiment, one that’s very relatable even in the real world.

2 "I Did Love Being The Hero. But If This Is Where It Leads...I'm Done With It."

Justice Lord Superman was born at this moment, as he realized that he’d effectively been playing the role of Lex Luthor’s accomplice all these years. After he confronted Luthor for killing The Flash, which also effectively broke Superman’s spirit, the former argued that the latter enjoyed their constant conflict.

In many ways, it fed Superman’s ego to play the hero, as he could’ve crushed Luthor anytime he wanted. Looking at things this way, Superman agreed, before using his heat vision to burn Luthor to oblivion. It did lead Superman down the wrong road, but this realization had definite truth attached to it.

1 "...We have Here A Rare Opportunity For Me To Cut Loose, And Show You Just How Powerful I Really Am."

This Superman has to be one of the weaker ones when it comes to power levels, with him getting beaten by a number of foes. However, Superman presented the reasoning behind this when he told Darkseid that he always held back because he wanted to avoid a fatal scenario.

Since Darkseid was at Superman’s level, the latter finally let himself go all out as he unleashed a phenomenally powerful punch to Darkseid that flung him all the way across Metropolis. It was a lesson learned that the DCAU Superman should never be taken lightly.

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