1882-1958, American Critic
A life spent in constant labor is a life wasted, save a man be such a fool as to regard a fulsome obituary notice as ample reward.
George Jean Nathan – [Ambition]
An optimist is a fellow who believes a housefly is looking for a way to get out.
George Jean Nathan – [Optimism]
Bad officials are the ones elected by good citizens who do not vote.
George Jean Nathan – [Politicians and Politics]
I only drink to make other people seem more interesting.
George Jean Nathan – [Alcohol and Alcoholism]
Love demands infinitely less than friendship.
George Jean Nathan – [Friends and Friendship]
Love is an emotion experienced by the many and enjoyed by the few.
George Jean Nathan – [Love]
No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched.
George Jean Nathan – [Thoughts and Thinking]
Patriotism is a arbitrary veneration of real estate above principles.
George Jean Nathan – [Patriotism]
The path of sound credence is through the thick forest of skepticism.
George Jean Nathan – [Skepticism]
The test of a real comedian is whether you laugh at him before he opens his mouth.
George Jean Nathan – [Comedy and Comedians]
To speak of morals in art is to speak of legislature in sex. Art is the sex of the imagination.
George Jean Nathan – [Arts and Artists]