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

The quote, "To speak of morals in art is to speak of legislature in sex. Art is the sex of the imagination," comes from George Jean Nathan, an American drama critic, editor, and playwright. Nathan, known for his sharp and provocative commentary on art and culture, uses this statement to challenge conventional views on the relationship between morality and art. He argues that imposing moral constraints on art is as nonsensical as imposing legal restrictions on something as personal and instinctive as sex. In this comparison, he suggests that both art and sex are inherently free and driven by imagination and creativity, not by rigid rules or moral judgments.

Nathan’s use of the phrase "sex of the imagination" positions art as a deeply expressive and passionate act, similar to the uninhibited nature of sex. Just as sex is an essential, organic part of human experience, so too is art an integral and raw expression of human creativity. The analogy emphasizes that both art and sex are about personal expression, desires, and experiences, unbound by external moral or societal limitations.

The comparison between morality and art suggests Nathan's belief that art should not be confined by moral standards or used solely to uphold societal values. Instead, it should be allowed to explore, challenge, and reflect the complexities of the human experience without fear of judgment or censorship. Nathan argues that art, like sex, is meant to be liberated, a realm where the imagination can roam freely without the constraints of what is considered "appropriate" or "acceptable."

Ultimately, Nathan’s quote champions the freedom and creativity at the heart of art. By likening it to sex, he highlights the need for art to be a space of personal, imaginative expression, unbound by the restrictions of morality. This view encourages a more liberated understanding of art, where the focus is on raw expression and the exploration of human experience rather than conforming to external standards or expectations.