It is easier to know the truth through negation than through affirmation.
Example: sports rehabilitation vs. bodybuilding. I have experience in both, so I can compare.
In the first case, it's crystal clear what and why you're doing: – Restoring the function of muscles and ligaments, – Getting rid of vulnerability, discomfort, and pain, – Re-entering active life without limitations.
With bodybuilding, it’s more complicated. The final state is vague. Success criteria are blurry. The meaning is best left unspoken. Fulfillment constantly tempts but slips away at the last moment.
You can debate happiness, power, and freedom for a long time. But everyone can agree on one thing: they definitely don’t want to suffer without meaning, to be helpless, or depend on the whims of others.
Saying “No!” is like turning a pencil sharpener.
Via negativa — the path through negation that reveals the essence. This becomes especially important when you're disoriented. If it’s hard for you to imagine your heaven, describe in detail what hell looks like.
Apophatic theology is the method of knowing God by systematically negating all of His definitions. Words are too poor and insignificant. The mystery should not be named but felt.
“God has neither parts, nor changes, nor boundaries” (Thomas Aquinas).
“The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao” (Lao Tzu).
“I am — without doubt. I am this — raises doubts” (Nisargadatta Maharaj, Indian non-duality teacher).
“Monsieur, when the finger points to the sky, the fool looks at the finger” (from the movie "Amélie").
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
About me:
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.
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