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Quote by Robert Nathan

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Portrait of Jennie

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Author

Robert Nathan
Robert Nathan

Robert Nathan (January 2, 1894 – May 25, 1985) was an American novelist, poet, and playwright. Born in New York City to a wealthy Jewish family, he attended Harvard University but left due to illness. Nathan wrote over 40 novels, blending fantasy with realism, including notable works such as Portrait of Jennie and The Bishop's Wife. His writing is known for its lyrical prose and philosophical themes. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood. Although his popularity waned in later years, Nathan is recognized for his unique contribution to American literature, bridging romanticism and modern psychological fiction. more

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“It’s not a question of deeper. It’s a question of opening wide, completely open. It’s not going in, in, but it’s expanding out, because you don’t have to try to make sure there is a little atom bomb inside you. But you can trust there is energy everywhere, and you have to open to it. Therefore it comes back to you at the same time.”

SpiritualityEnergyBuddhismOpennessSpiritual TransformationVajrayanaChogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
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“The early Christians took this story and used it as the backdrop for the doctrine of ‘The Trinity.’ For me, though, this myth has nothing to do with the belief in the father, son, and holy spirit. Rublev’s hospitality icon is important to me because by receiving the three strangers, Abraham and Sarah further their own narrative. The story of the strangers gets intertwined with Abraham and Sarah and they learn something new about themselves. This icon is a reminder to me to be welcoming and hospitable to strangers. It helps me remember that every stranger has a story. I kept this myth in mind, when a group of young Mormons came walking down the street and knocked on my door. I offered for them to come in and eat. Did I become Mormon? No. I did have them over three times to understand them and learn what it was like to be Mormon and to be them personally. Does this mean that you should let every stranger in your house because it says that Abraham did? No, definitely do not do that. Just like I get to choose what to get out of a myth, I get to choose when to apply it. I am admittedly a nerd and like to discuss beliefs and theology. I like to learn about people and different ways to think and live. This comes with an openness to new people in certain situations. Being open and hospitable to new people and ideas can help you understand yourself and other people. It can further your narrative and expand your viewpoints.”

OpennessHospitalityNote To SelfLearning From OthersMormonsOpenmindedHearing OthersUnderstanding Other PeopleAbraham And SarahStories Worth Keeping
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