I recently came across this term coined by the poet John Keats and wanted to share it as its wisdom feels somehow prescient in the current time. Apparently, “Negative Capability” has long been used by poets and philosophers to describe the ability of the individual to ‘perceive, think, and operate beyond any presupposition of a predetermined capacity of the human being.’ Shakespeare was known for his capacity to pursue artistic beauty over philosophical certainty, even when it led him to intellectual confusion and uncertainty.
Through our lens I read it as the art of embracing the unknown and celebrating the mysterious – the power of achieving a state of comfort that you don’t have all the answers and so are free to approach any new subject, thought, discussion with an open mind. If this is a forum for sharing wisdom, then ‘Negative Capability’ feels like a quality to nurture.
More than ever, now is a time to explore alternative paths, think on our feet, try anything, and fail in real-time. The unknown is what drives science and so much more. Set the bar low and enjoy the feeling of flying over it, then nudge it up. This is night flying relying purely on your instruments, only this time the gauges are curiosity, openness, agency, and purpose.
It’s not easy but at The Wylde we’ve been trying to take a policy of just saying ‘Yes’. Even if it doesn’t make us a dime. It’s about giving energy now, for love and getting energy back. It’s OK to not have all the answers. In fact, life is about living the questions and the most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. Stay Wylde.
Crispin Baynes is an MEA alum and you can read about his experience with us here. He’s a founding member of The Wylde – a club that brings people together around culture & purpose. For a Zoom experience like no other, join Chip and 5 other speakers who take The Wylde’s ‘PechaKucha Challenge’ this Thursday 5/28 at 5pm PT/8pm ET. Seats are limited. You can access the show via This Free Ticket.