Meaning: The quote "To speak of morals in art is to speak of legislature in sex. Art is the sex of the imagination" by George Jean Nathan, an American drama critic and magazine editor, is a thought-provoking reflection on the relationship between art, morality, and the creative process. This quote challenges the conventional notions of morality and art, inviting us to consider the complex and often controversial intersection of ethics and artistic expression.

In this quote, Nathan draws a parallel between discussions of morals in art and legislation in sex, suggesting that both are inherently complex and deeply personal topics. By likening art to "the sex of the imagination," Nathan evokes the idea of creativity as a deeply intimate and instinctual process, one that is driven by passion, desire, and individual expression. This comparison also implies that just as sex is a natural and essential aspect of human experience, so too is the act of creating art.

Nathan's assertion that "To speak of morals in art is to speak of legislature in sex" challenges the notion that art can or should be subjected to external moral standards. It suggests that attempting to regulate or impose moral judgments on artistic expression is as futile and intrusive as legislating personal relationships and intimate behaviors. This perspective aligns with the belief that art should be free from censorship and external constraints in order to fully realize its potential as a form of creative and emotional expression.

Furthermore, the quote implies that the creative process, much like sexual expression, is deeply personal and subjective. It suggests that art is a manifestation of the individual's imagination, desires, and emotions, and that attempting to impose moral standards on this deeply personal process is a form of infringement on the artist's autonomy and freedom of expression. Nathan's comparison encourages us to view art as a fundamentally personal and intimate act, one that should be allowed to flourish without the constraints of external moral judgments.

Moreover, Nathan's choice of words in describing art as "the sex of the imagination" is striking in its evocative imagery. This metaphorical expression highlights the raw, instinctual, and primal nature of the creative process, drawing a parallel between the physical act of sex and the mental and emotional act of artistic creation. By likening art to an act of imagination, passion, and creativity, Nathan captures the essence of artistic expression as a deeply visceral and essential aspect of human experience.

In conclusion, George Jean Nathan's quote "To speak of morals in art is to speak of legislature in sex. Art is the sex of the imagination" challenges us to reconsider the relationship between art, morality, and creative expression. By drawing parallels between the regulation of art and sex, and by likening art to the intimate act of imagination, Nathan prompts us to reflect on the deeply personal and instinctual nature of artistic creation. This quote serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving artistic freedom and autonomy, and invites us to appreciate the raw, emotive, and deeply personal nature of the creative process.