QuoteProject
It's so easy to call something a Jewish story or a gay story or a woman's story. Aesthetically, if a story is not universal, it has failed. Your obligation is to the story. One rule creatively, and emotionally, is its universality.
Nathan Englander
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of universality in storytelling, suggesting that stories should transcend specific identities to resonate broadly.

Nathan Englander's quote reflects on the idea that labeling a story solely by specific identities, such as race or gender, limits its potential impact and reach. He argues that true artistic success lies in the story's ability to connect with universal human experiences, rather than confining it to a particular category. This underscores the obligation of storytellers to prioritize the essence and universality of their narratives over identity-based labels.

Themes

StorytellingUniversalityIdentityArtNarrative

In practice

Example use cases

In a creative writing workshop, to inspire students to write universally relatable stories.

More from Nathan Englander

I understand if everyone looking at me is seeing a Jew and seeing me as a kind of 'other.' But I can't be expected to see myself that way. That is, to me, Jewish is the normal way to be; it's not a type of being.
Nathan EnglanderRead

Similar quotes

The author must keep his mouth shut when his work starts to speak.
Friedrich NietzscheRead
I have always included minority characters in my stories, often as heroes.
Stan LeeRead
Writing is an act of empathy. You are occupying and understanding a point of view that might be alien to your own--and work is often the keyhole through which you peer.
Benjamin PercyRead
The primary requisite for writing well about food is a good appetite.
A. J. LieblingRead
A true diva is graceful, and talented, and strong, and fearless and brave and someone with humility.
Beyonce KnowlesRead
I just don't think there's a lot of support for the woman's voice in cinema, and it becomes really difficult to raise that money and start again every time.
Ava DuvernayRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.