Obscenity, which is ever blasphemy against the divine beauty in life, is a monster for which the corruption of society forever brings forth new food, which it devours in secret.

This quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a passionate critique of obscenity and its destructive relationship with societal corruption. By stating that “obscenity, which is ever blasphemy against the divine beauty in life,” Shelley is arguing that obscenity—whether in thought, art, or action—is not merely offensive, but a violation of beauty, truth, and spiritual value. To him, life possesses a divine quality, and obscenity is a force that desecrates that ideal.

Shelley describes obscenity as a monster, suggesting that it is a deformed and dangerous entity that thrives on the moral decay of society. The phrase “the corruption of society forever brings forth new food” implies that as society degenerates, it continuously feeds this monstrous force in secret. This image of the monster devouring in the shadows reflects Shelley’s view that obscenity grows more powerful when ignored or allowed to flourish unexamined, nourished by widespread hypocrisy, ignorance, or decay.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Shelley’s writings and philosophical reflections on morality, art, and social justice. As a leading figure of the Romantic movement, Shelley often used his poetry and prose to challenge conventional norms, religious orthodoxy, and authoritarian structures. His belief in the transformative power of beauty and truth made him particularly sensitive to what he saw as cultural forces that distorted or defiled them.

Ultimately, Shelley’s quote is both a moral warning and a call to defend beauty and truth from the creeping forces of obscenity and corruption. He urges society to be vigilant, recognizing that what we tolerate in secret can shape our public values. His words remind us that the true danger lies not just in what is seen, but in what we nourish and allow to grow unseen.