I just saw "A Beautiful Mind". What does it mean/origen to give someone your pen as they did Mr. Nash?

Question

It happened in the beginning of the movie to another fellow as well. I know it's recognition and respect but, if anyone could expound that would be appreciated. A Princeton tradition?

Answer 1

i believe its a representation of taking charge of yourself

because with a pen you may write YOUR own ideas and YOUR own theories and YOUR own story.

with a pen, you finally have enough knowlegde, power, wisdom, and maturity to succeed, and "take charge"

Answer 2

No, not anything special.

"Presentation pens" have been marketed by companies as potential gifts since the mid 1800's.  Along with the token watch for service, etc.

In the 1800's and into the 20th century pens were a popular gift, as few items would be available then other than such as this one.  Certainly less expensive than say the keys to a car.

I guess today we'd give one a flash drive?

Symbolic as well a watch is, most were engraved, often made of a symbolic wood or metal, and with such as gold tips, etc.

Answer 3

It was just them showing respect because he won the nobel prize. Its just tradition to give a collegue a pen when they achieve something like that.