Worklife with Adam Grant Poet Maggie Smith on embracing ambiguity
56 snips
Nov 21, 2023 
Maggie Smith, a poet and author renowned for her viral poem "Good Bones," shares her insights on navigating complex emotions and embracing ambiguity in life. She discusses the delicate balance between hope and hardship, reflecting on how poetry can encapsulate human experiences. Maggie highlights the importance of asking questions without clear answers and accepting emotional ambivalence. The conversation also covers the transformative power of writing and the significance of recognizing both positive and negative feelings for personal growth.
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Shielding Children
- Maggie Smith wrote "Good Bones" when her children were young, shielding them from harsh realities.
- Now, with her daughter in high school, her focus has shifted to helping them navigate the news.
Unanswerable Questions
- Start your creative work by thinking about questions you don't have answers for.
- Embrace ambiguity and unanswered questions.
Embracing Ambiguity
- Maggie Smith finds ambiguity uncomfortable but believes resisting it causes suffering.
- Writing her memoir helped her become more comfortable with not knowing everything.
