"Definition of Ambiguity: The quality or state of being ambiguous; doubtfulness or uncertainty, particularly as to the signification of language, arising from its admitting of more than one meaning; an equivocal word or expression."
"Neurosis is the inability to tolerate ambiguity." Sigmund Freud
When I finished Michael J. Gelb's fascinating book, How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Everyday Genius, I was so impressed with it that I ordered a copy for myself and several for gifts. It includes many excellent exercises that I haven't had a chance yet to pursue.
Anyway, what does this have to do with ambiguity? Leonardo embraced ambiguity and Gelb uses it in defining one of the "Seven Steps."
Even though I didn't find an overabundance of quotations, the ones I did find and will share with you are positive, creative and eye-opening.
In general; creativity and artistry; politics and journalism:
- "On the road from the City of Skepticism, I had to pass through the Valley of Ambiguity." - Adam Smith
- "The awareness of the ambiguity of one's highest achievements (as well as one's deepest failures) is a definite symptom of maturity." - Paul Tillich
- "I have always felt that a woman has the right to treat the subject of her age with ambiguity until, perhaps, she passes into the realm of over ninety. Then it is better she be candid with herself and with the world." - Carl Sandburg
- "Ambiguity is necessary in some of my stories, not in all. In those, it certainly contributes to the richness of the story. I doubt that thematic closure is never attainable." - Gene Wolfe
- "The purpose of narrative is to present us with complexity and ambiguity." - Scott Turow
- "The warning message we sent the Russians was a calculated ambiguity that would be clearly understood." - Alexander Haig
- "How is a reporter supposed to feel about ambiguity? As a human, you react to the overwhelming tragedy of it." - Jessica Savitch
How do you feel about ambiguity? Do you make use of it? I am a storyteller, and often after I have finished telling, listeners will ask, "Was that true?" Rather than disappointing them and, I feel, hurting the story, I will answer rather ambiguously. "What do you think?" or "Every story has truth."
Complexity and ambiguity do go "hand in hand." I feel that if we examine our lives and our work, we will discover that our days are filled with them. So chew on these last quotations and do let me know what you think.
"You know, people who almost- yeah, there's a slight reluctance there - but there's also an ambiguity. What are their morals? What is their code of living? What are they really doing here? And it is just interesting because it is never black or white." - Matt Robinson
"But also because ambiguity haunts one's mind and ambiguity... it's out of ambiguities that we make choices." - Dennis C. G. Potter
Chris King is an entrepreneur, professional speaker, storyteller, writer, website creator / designer, free agent, and fitness instructor. Sign up for her eclectic E-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, at http://www.freelanceliving.com You will find her information-packed E-book How to Leave Your Audiences Begging for MORE! at http://www.OutrageouslyPowerfulPresenter.com and her business website at http://www.CreativeKeys.biz
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