ReThinking Poet Maggie Smith on embracing ambiguity
19 snips
Nov 21, 2023 
Maggie Smith, a celebrated poet and author known for her viral poem "Good Bones," joins the discussion on the messy complexities of life. She delves into nurturing hope while recognizing reality, emphasizing the power of asking challenging questions without easy answers. The conversation highlights the importance of embracing ambiguous emotions, such as fear and anger, as teachers in our personal journeys. They explore balancing optimism in parenting amidst a perceived dangerous world while fostering resilience through emotional acceptance.
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Grounded Hope
- Adam Grant describes "Good Bones" as expressing grounded hope.
- Maggie Smith agrees and discusses optimism rooted in acknowledging life's difficulties.
Challenging Darkness
- Adam Grant challenges the level of darkness in the poem, citing research on human generosity during crises.
- Smith clarifies the metaphorical nature of the 50% terrible statistic, emphasizing precarious balance.
Sheltering vs. Optimism
- Adam Grant notes the poem's message of not sheltering children from the world's negativity.
- Smith agrees that optimism is essential for raising children while also acknowledging their evolving awareness.
