Poet Maggie Smith discusses embracing ambiguity and handling complex emotions with Adam Grant. Topics include grounded hope, asking quality questions, and the importance of embracing ambiguity in writing and life. They also explore emotional ambivalence and reflect on gratitude.
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Quick takeaways
Maggie Smith's poem 'Good Bones' resonated with people because it offers a sense of hopefulness in acknowledging the challenges of the world while staying grounded in realism.
Maggie Smith emphasizes the value of embracing ambiguity and unanswered questions in the writing process, recognizing their significance in expressing emotions through poetry.
Deep dives
Introduction of AI and You series
The podcast episode begins by introducing a new series called AI and You, featuring discussions with leading minds in AI and providing insights into how to use AI in work and life.
Interview with poet Maggie Smith
The podcast host interviews poet Maggie Smith about her work, including her popular poem 'Good Bones' and her debut memoir 'You Could Make This Place Beautiful.' They discuss topics such as managing emotions, forging identities, and embracing ambiguity.
The impact of 'Good Bones'
The discussion revolves around the viral success of Maggie Smith's poem 'Good Bones' and explores why it resonated with people. They highlight the poem's sense of hopefulness in acknowledging the world's challenges, its grounding in realism, and its ability to capture the human experience.
Writing process and embracing ambiguity
The conversation delves into Maggie Smith's writing process and how she embraces ambiguity when expressing emotions through her poetry. They discuss the tension between wanting to have answers and accepting the value of unanswered questions, as well as the significance of revision in the writing process.
Poet and author Maggie Smith isn’t sure where she falls on the spectrum from optimism to pessimism. But her viral poem “Good Bones” and her bestselling books have inspired countless readers with profound insights on the messiness of being human. In this episode, Maggie and Adam discuss strategies for handling complex emotions, sustaining hope while acknowledging reality, and accepting ambiguity in life and art. They explore the value of asking questions that may not have a satisfying answer — or any answer at all. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
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