Meaning: This quote by Margaret Anderson, the editor of the literary magazine "The Little Review," encapsulates a sentiment of defiance, ignorance, and the pursuit of inspiration. It reflects a rebellious and independent spirit, rejecting the constraints of societal norms and regulations. The quote suggests that the speaker did not intentionally defy any rules but rather acted in ignorance of them, driven by a pure desire to express creativity and originality.

Margaret Anderson was a pioneering figure in the literary and artistic world of the early 20th century. As the editor of "The Little Review," she played a significant role in promoting modernist literature and avant-garde art. The magazine published works by influential writers such as Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot, and James Joyce, and it became known for its bold and unconventional approach to literature and art. Anderson herself was a key figure in the bohemian and avant-garde circles of her time, and her quote reflects the spirit of nonconformity and innovation that characterized her life and work.

In the quote, Anderson expresses a sense of surprise at the idea that anyone would seek to restrain her inspiration. This speaks to the belief in the unbridled freedom of creative expression, a belief that was central to the modernist movement. Modernist artists and writers sought to break away from traditional forms and conventions, embracing new techniques and styles that defied established norms. Anderson's assertion that she "ignored the law" because she didn't know it existed highlights the idea that true creativity knows no boundaries and is not constrained by rules or regulations.

Furthermore, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the role of authority and control in the creative process. Anderson's defiance, whether intentional or not, challenges the notion that creativity can or should be limited by external forces. It suggests that true inspiration cannot be curbed or contained, and that the pursuit of artistic expression should be free from undue influence or restriction.

This quote also raises questions about the relationship between ignorance and defiance. Anderson's assertion that she defied nothing at all because she was unaware of the law brings up the concept of willful ignorance as a form of rebellion. It suggests that sometimes, ignorance itself can be a form of resistance, a refusal to be bound by the constraints of societal expectations or regulations.

In conclusion, Margaret Anderson's quote encapsulates the spirit of defiance, independence, and the relentless pursuit of inspiration. It reflects the ethos of the modernist movement and the belief in the unbounded nature of creative expression. Her words continue to resonate as a powerful statement of artistic freedom and the refusal to be limited by external constraints.