The test of a real comedian is whether you laugh at him before he opens his mouth.
George Jean NathanRead
It may be said that artist and censor differ in this wise: that the first is a decent mind in an indecent body and that the second is an indecent mind in a decent body.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Artists express profound ideas through unconventional means, while censors restrict expression based on societal norms.
In this quote, George Jean Nathan contrasts the nature of artists with that of censors. He suggests that artists possess a refined, decent mind but often operate in a world that may not align with their artistic values, thus appearing 'indecent' in their delivery. Conversely, censors, who impose restrictions on artistic expression, are described as having an 'indecent mind,' as their motivations to control and limit creativity stem from less noble intentions, despite presenting themselves as upholdes of decency.
Themes
ArtCensorshipExpressionCreativitySociety
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a panel discussion on the role of censorship in art.
More from George Jean Nathan
All quotes →Beauty makes idiots sad and wise men merry.
George Jean NathanRead
Bad officials are the ones elected by good citizens who do not vote.
George Jean NathanRead
It is the mark of a superior person that, left to themselves they are able endlessly to amuse, interest and entertain themselves out of their personal stock of meditations, ideas, criticisms, memories, philosophy, humor and what not.
George Jean NathanRead
Politics is the diversion of trivial men who, when they succeed at it, become important in the eyes of more trivial men.
George Jean NathanRead
All that is necessary to raise imbecility into what the mob regards as profundity is to lift it off the floor and put it on a platform.
George Jean NathanRead
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