Art Quote by George Jean Nathan
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Artist and the Censor, 1923
Artists may possess flawed bodies but noble minds, while censors may have respectable appearances but corrupt intentions.
In simple terms: Appearance can hide true character.
Key Takeaway
Judge by intent, not exterior.
Themes
art
censorship
morality
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
ethical
reflective
When to use this quote
- publishing
- film regulation
- public policy
- media review
Key Concepts
ethical duality
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it fair to judge based on outward respectability?
- How do we balance artistic freedom with social responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Censors can sometimes protect societal values despite their motives.
