"Forty years ago this country went down a rabbit hole in Vietnam and millions died. I fear we're going down a rabbit hole once again - and if people can stop and think and reflect on some of the ideas and issues in this movie, perhaps I've done some damn good here!"

Errol Morris's quote reflects a deep concern about the cyclical nature of human behavior and political decision-making. His referral to Vietnam conjures pictures of a turbulent duration marked by war, extensive devastation, and significant loss of life, both for the Vietnamese and American populations included. The phrase "down a rabbit hole" recommends a journey into mayhem and confusion, a metaphorical descent into a situation that spirals out of control with unpredicted consequences.

By conjuring up the memory of Vietnam, Morris is drawing a parallel in between past errors and potential future ones. He implies that society might be on the edge of making similarly devastating choices, in whatever context he may be describing at the time-- whether it be another military dispute, a political turmoil, or a social problem spiraling out of control. His fear is that lessons from the past have not been internalized sufficiently to prevent history from repeating itself.

The 2nd part of the quote underscores Morris's belief in the power of media, particularly cinema, to affect thought and provoke reflection. He expresses hope that his film can work as a catalyst for modification or at least prompt critical thinking among its audience. By advising individuals to "stop and believe and show," Morris is highlighting the need for awareness, education, and introspection as tools to prevent possible disasters.

In essence, Morris is utilizing his platform as a filmmaker to sound an alarm. He acknowledges the impact movie can apply over public opinion and discourse, aiming to use this impact for societal great. His hope is that through engagement with his work, viewers might develop a more comprehensive understanding of current problems, therefore making more informed decisions that might avoid a repeat of historical tragedies. This shows an optimistic belief in the capacity for art to add to positive societal modification, despite its fundamental caution of prospective doom.