Lyle Kessler Quotes

Powerful Lyle Kessler for Daily Growth

About Lyle Kessler

Lyle Kessler, born on August 17, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American playwright known for his powerful, character-driven dramas that delve into the human condition. Growing up in a working-class Jewish family, Kessler's experiences and observations of his neighborhood and community significantly influenced his work. Kessler graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1970. However, it wasn't until he moved to New York City in the early 1980s that he truly embarked on his career as a playwright. His first major work, "Orphans," premiered off-Broadway at the Circle Repertory Company in 1983. The play, which tells the story of two brothers who find their estranged father and deal with their tumultuous past, was a critical success and earned Kessler the Obie Award for Playwriting. In 1987, Kessler wrote "Table Settings," a play set in a Philadelphia restaurant that explores the lives of its employees. The play won the American Theatre Critics Association's New Play Award. Another notable work by Kessler is "Four Sisters," a play about four sisters dealing with their family's past and present, which was produced off-Broadway in 1989. Kessler's plays are known for their strong characters, vivid dialogue, and deep exploration of relationships and family dynamics. He continues to write and has been teaching playwriting at various universities, including Temple University and The New School for Drama in New York City. His work remains relevant and influential in American theater today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We can't change the cards we're dealt, just how we play the game."

This quote suggests that while life may present us with various challenges (the "cards" being metaphorically drawn), it is within our power to control our response or actions towards those circumstances (how we "play the game"). It encourages resilience, adaptability, and the understanding that personal growth and happiness often come from how we navigate through life's trials rather than eliminating them altogether.


"Sometimes love isn't enough to make us stay, but it's strong enough to bring us back."

This quote suggests that love might not always be a sufficient reason for individuals to remain in a relationship, as life often presents challenges and circumstances that may necessitate a temporary separation or departure. However, the power of love is so profound that it can pull people back together when the time is right. It highlights the resilience and enduring nature of love in human relationships.


"You have to forgive life for not being fair and then you have to find a way to be happy anyway."

This quote emphasizes resilience, acceptance, and the pursuit of happiness despite life's inherent unfairness. It suggests that we must recognize that life is often unjust, yet choose not to hold this against it. Instead, we should learn from our experiences, let go of any resentment or anger, and find a path towards personal joy and contentment. In other words, we are responsible for our own happiness, regardless of the circumstances we encounter in life.


"The only truth is that we are all trying to find the truth."

This quote by Lyle Kessler suggests that in our pursuit of knowledge, understanding, or enlightenment, there is no absolute 'truth' that everyone universally agrees upon. Instead, each individual is on their unique journey to discover what they perceive as the truth. It emphasizes the subjective nature of reality and encourages us to respect and acknowledge the diverse paths and perspectives people take in their search for understanding.


"The past can be a terrible master, but it's even worse a mistress."

This quote suggests that dwelling on past mistakes or regrets can be self-destructive, as it serves as an oppressive force (a "terrible master"). However, clinging to the past for comfort or nostalgia (as one might with a romanticized view of the past) can also be harmful, as it prevents progress and growth ("it's even worse a mistress"). The emphasis is on learning from the past but not being enslaved by it. Instead, one should find balance in moving forward without ignoring valuable lessons from their history.


'Orphans' reflects unconscious elements in myself that were, at the time, indigestible and butting up against each other in my psyche; issues I wasn't really in touch with but was trying to put into a dramatic framework.

- Lyle Kessler

Other, Against, Issues, Psyche

As for Philadelphia, you know what it is like? Sink holes. You stand in the earth and it opens up and you're sucked down. I'm never going to escape Philadelphia.

- Lyle Kessler

Like, Going, Sink, Holes

I was born in Philadelphia, and I've tried to escape that city all my life. I end up writing plays that force me back to Philadelphia, at least psychologically if not physically.

- Lyle Kessler

City, My Life, Plays, Psychologically

In the case of the 'Saint' movie, I did do some research. I visited a few shelters. But usually, my stuff just comes out. I don't have any control over that.

- Lyle Kessler

Some, Over, Saint, Shelters

My best writing has to do with an internal process that I'm working out unconsciously and put into my characters.

- Lyle Kessler

Writing, Process, Characters, Internal

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