Quotes & anectdotes from
the wise,
the foolish,
the courageous &
the drunk

George Jean Nathan Critic

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: United States
  • Born: Feb 14, 1882
  • Died: Apr 8, 1958

George Jean Nathan was an American drama critic and editor. He worked closely with H.L. Mencken, bringing the literary magazine The Smart Set to prominence as an editor, and co-founding and editing The American Mercury and The American Spectator.

Beauty makes idiots sad and wise men merry.

Women, as they grow older, rely more and more on cosmetics. Men, as they grow older, rely more and more on a sense of humor.

To speak of morals in art is to speak of legislature in sex. Art is the sex of the imagination.

Love demands infinitely less than friendship.

No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched.

Criticism is the art of appraising others at one's own value.

Patriotism is often an arbitrary veneration of real estate above principles.

Love is an emotion experienced by the many and enjoyed by the few.

Great art is as irrational as great music. It is mad with its own loveliness.

It is only the cynicism that is born of success that is penetrating and valid.

Bad officials are the ones elected by good citizens who do not vote.

Politics is the diversion of trivial men who, when they succeed at it, become important in the eyes of more trivial men.