The via negativa mental model turns traditional thinking upside down. It focuses on what to remove, not add. This Latin phrase, meaning “the negative path,” started in theology. Scholars described the divine by what it wasn’t.
Now, it’s a way to simplify life. Think of Steve Jobs making Apple products simpler by removing unnecessary features1. Or Michelangelo creating David by removing excess stone1.
Today, it helps you clear out distractions. This means deleting apps that waste time, stopping bad habits, or cutting down on unnecessary spending2. Could less really mean more?
Key Takeaways
- Via negativa uses subtraction to clarify goals and decisions.
- It originated in theology but now guides tech innovation and personal growth1.
- Removing clutter, like unnecessary purchases, boosts finances and focus2.
- Michelangelo and Jobs succeeded by subtracting excess1.
- Creating a “Via Negativa list” helps eliminate toxic habits2.
Understanding the Via Negativa Approach
The via negativa is about subtracting instead of adding. It’s about removing what you don’t want, not listing what you do.
This idea comes from ancient negative theology, a way to describe the divine that is beyond human understanding. By saying what something is not, you get closer to what it truly is.
The Definition of Via Negativa
The term “via negativa” comes from Latin, meaning “negative path.” It’s about avoiding definitive statements and focusing on what’s not true. For instance, in apophatic theology, thinkers like Maimonides said we can’t describe God with words3.
This idea has grown beyond religion, helping us make better choices by removing risks4.
Origins in Negative Theology
The roots of this approach are in negative theology, or apophatic theology. Medieval scholars like Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite believed God’s true nature is beyond our understanding.
They described God as “not limited” or “not finite,” focusing on what God is not3. This idea has evolved into a broader philosophical concept for clearer thinking and action.
The Power of Subtraction Over Addition
“What you can subtract determines your boundaries.” – Nassim Nicholas Taleb4
- Subtraction simplifies choices by removing noise.
- John Keats’ “negative capability” shows embracing uncertainty strengthens creativity4.
- Studies show focusing on “what not to do” reduces decision fatigue4.
By focusing on what to exclude, you avoid overcomplicating things. Instead of looking for more, you remove what distracts you. This aligns with science: less clutter means clearer focus4.
The Historical Roots of Via Negativa
The non-affirmative way has deep roots in ancient thought. It started as a way to understand the divine. Early Christian mystics like Dionysius the Areopagite used negation to describe God in works like Divine Names and Mystical Theology5.
His ideas were influenced by Neoplatonism, shaped by thinkers like Proclus. They helped form how people thought about the unknowable5.
Later, John Scottus Eriugena translated Dionysius’s texts. This made via negativa key to Western theology5. Scholars like Meister Eckhart and Nicholas of Cusa later added to it. They mixed mysticism with logic to talk about the divine in ways beyond words5.
Eastern traditions like Hinduism and Daoism also developed similar ideas. They focused on emptiness and the things that can’t be said5.
Today, thinkers like Nassim Nicholas Taleb brought this idea back in Antifragile. He used subtraction to make systems stronger6. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said, “Perfection is achieved not by adding, but by removing what’s unnecessary”6.
This old idea is seen in modern design and decision-making. It shows its lasting importance.
How Via Negativa Transforms Decision-Making
Decision-making often feels like a race to find the perfect answer. But what if success starts by removing the wrong choices first?
Via negativa flips the script: instead of chasing gains, focus on avoiding losses. Research shows this method reduces errors by prioritizing elimination over accumulation7.
Removing Instead of Adding
Entrepreneurs like Naval Ravikant rely on learning through subtraction to simplify choices. “Avoiding mistakes matters more than finding winners,” he says.
By cutting what doesn’t align with goals—like time-wasting tasks or unprofitable ventures—you create space for clarity.
Startups that ignored this risked failure, but those using via negativa saw results within two years, saving millions8.
Avoiding Complexity Through Elimination
Complexity breeds uncertainty. Divine unknowing accepts that some outcomes are unpredictable. Charlie Munger’s inversion technique asks, “What could ruin my plan?”
This mindset prevents overcomplicating strategies. For example, Japanese manufacturers boosted efficiency by subtracting redundant steps—proving less is often more7.
The Wisdom of What Not to Do
“Avoiding bad decisions is easier than predicting good ones.”
Warren Buffett’s #1 rule—never lose money—embodies this. Instead of chasing trends, focus on what to exclude: toxic habits, risky bets, or noisy advice. Via negativa turns decision-making into a filter, not a guessing game.
Think of it as pruning a garden: removing deadwood lets growth thrive.
Learning through subtraction starts small. Ask: What can I stop doing today? The answer might surprise you.
Practical Applications of Via Negativa in Daily Life
Change your daily life by using via negativa as a spiritual practice of subtraction. Begin by removing one thing from your schedule or space each day. This builds momentum.
Here’s how it works:
Decluttering Your Physical Space
Start by finding items you haven’t used in a year or more. Give them away or throw them out. This clears your mind. Studies show it reduces stress and improves focus9.
For example, moving your TV to a room you don’t use can cut screen time by 75%. It might even mean you stop paying for cable9.
Simplifying Your Digital World
- Delete unused apps and unsubscribe from non-essential emails
- Enable “Do Not Disturb” modes during focus hours
- Replace social media scrolling with intentional activities like reading
Science backs up the idea that controlling your environment helps you avoid bad habits. Hiding things like junk food or distractions can help you rely less on willpower10.
Streamlining Decision Processes
Warren Buffet is known for focusing on what not to do, not just what to do11. To make decisions easier:
- Set clear “no” criteria for invitations or projects
- Automate routine decisions (e.g., meal plans, wardrobe rotations)
- Use the 80/20 rule to eliminate tasks yielding less than 20% impact
This method helps you avoid decision fatigue. It lets you focus on what really matters10.
“What you avoid determines what you become.”
Begin today by choosing one area to simplify. Small steps lead to big changes. Remember, via negativa isn’t about giving up. It’s about making room for what truly matters.
Via Negativa in Business and Innovation
The negative path changes how we see success in business. It’s about removing what doesn’t help your goals. When Steve Jobs came back to Apple, he cut 70% of their products.
He focused on what Apple was best at, like the Macintosh.
This approach led to the iPhone’s big breakthrough. It had a touchscreen because Jobs got rid of physical keyboards as Diego Gabathuler explained.
“I just removed everything that isn’t David.” — Michelangelo
- Remove redundant processes to boost efficiency12
- Build MVPs by stripping features to core value12
- Prioritize eliminating distractions over adding complexity13
Warren Buffett always says, “Never lose money.” He means it’s better to avoid losing than to try to win big13. Charlie Munger agrees, saying it’s more important to avoid being stupid than to seek genius13.
Your business will succeed by removing what doesn’t fit your vision, like Michelangelo’s sculptures.
Begin by checking your processes. What takes a lot of energy but doesn’t add value? Ask if it truly represents your mission. If unsure, start by cutting back.
Common Misconceptions About the Via Negativa Mental Model
Understanding the philosophical concept of Via Negativa is key. It’s not about being negative. Instead, it’s rooted in mysticism, aiming to find truth, not reject life. Let’s set the record straight.
It’s Not Just About Saying “No”
The model uses subtraction, but it’s not about always saying no. It’s a way to strip away illusions and reveal reality’s essence14. For instance, decluttering isn’t just getting rid of stuff—it’s about finding authenticity15.
It’s a bit like clearing mental fog to see things as they are, not just avoiding them.
Negative Thinking ≠ Via Negativa
Via Negativa isn’t pessimism. It’s a mysticism-influenced practice that seeks deeper truths15. It challenges false beliefs, like thinking happiness comes from new things. It’s about seeing reality, not focusing on the negative.
Addition and Subtraction Work Together
It’s important to balance “yes” and “no.” The model works with other practices, like mindfulness or setting goals14.
Think of it like gardening: removing weeds (subtraction) lets plants thrive, but you also care for the soil. Via Negativa isn’t against growth—it’s about focusing wisely.
How to Start Practicing Via Negativa Today
Start your spiritual practice by making a “Via Negativa list.” List things that suck your energy. Pick one thing to cut out, like less social media or less sugar.
This non-affirmative way means you focus on what to remove, not add16.
- Start small: Remove one distraction each day, like turning off notifications17.
- Declutter your space every week—keep only what makes you happy or is useful18.
- Use a “subtraction journal” to track what you’ve removed and how it affects your mood.
Tim Ferriss didn’t read new books in 2020. This freed his mind for creativity. His story shows how not doing can lead to progress16.
Do a weekly “removal review” to figure out what to cut next. Ask yourself: “Does this match my core values?”
Balance your spiritual practice with action. Pair removing things with being mindful. For example, fasting can make you more grateful for simple things16.
The aim is not to be empty, but to make room for the good stuff by removing the bad18.
Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Subtraction in Your Life
Modern culture tells us to keep adding more. But the via negativa teaches us to focus on what to remove. This approach brings clarity and control to our lives. It’s like burning away the unnecessary, leaving only what truly matters.
This idea isn’t just practical. It’s rooted in ancient wisdom. Early Christian mystics taught that wisdom comes from letting go of the extra19.
Studies show how “more-ality” influences our choices. In the U.S., policies often favor growth over simplicity, leading to unnecessary complexity20. For example, the EPA’s rule that milk is an “oil” forces dairies to spend on anti-spill devices. This shows how systems often favor adding more, not cutting back20.
Yet, businesses that use via negativa do well by cutting out what’s not needed. They show that subtraction is about focusing, not cutting back for the sake of it19.
Begin with small steps. Identify one thing that clutters your day and eliminate it. It could be a messy inbox, a bad habit, or a draining commitment. Each removal makes room for what truly energizes you.
Nassim Nicholas Taleb advises removing what doesn’t work to build resilience19. By adopting this mindset, you join the minimalism and mindfulness movements. They show that sometimes, less is more.
Let the via negativa guide you. Subtract, simplify, and let clarity lead your path. Your journey begins with one intentional choice today.
