At once it struck me, what quality went to form a Man of Achievement especially in Literature & which Shakespeare posessed so enormously - I mean Negative Capability, that is when man is capable of being in uncertainties, Mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact & reason.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Shakespeare possessed Negative Capability: the ability to exist in uncertainty without forcing answers.
- In plain terms
- He stayed comfortable with doubts instead of rushing for facts.
- What can you take from it?
- Embracing uncertainty fosters creativity and depth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you handle uncertainty?
- Does doubt improve art?
Another view
Not all situations allow for indefinite uncertainty.
More from William Shakespeare
He has left nothing to say about nothing or any thing.
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