Hemingway Challenge · Not Knowing

Hemingway Challenge

(In honor of those about to undergo this Fall’s Contemplation Intensive. Go get it and good luck!)

The story goes that someone challenged Ernest Hemingway to write a story in 10 words and Hemingway responded that he only needed 6. The famous story read:

“Baby shoes for sale, never worn.”

I’ll spoil what I think makes this sentence so special as a story but I encourage all to explore for themselves just how deeply Hemingway succeeded before you read further.

Here’s what comes up for me:

It’s a newspaper ad
The baby either died or was never born
The family is so desperate for funds they face their heartbreak to list the shoes publicly

I’m certainly extrapolating here and that within itself could prove a fruitful inquiry but…

I want to pose a game for anyone interested. I challenge you to take this 6 word challenge on yourself but apply it to the domain of Not Knowing.

Convey in just 6 words an insight you’ve had, the nature of this work, the experience of who you are or what you are, the state of not-knowing, frustrations coming up in contemplation, etc. Whatever comes up. This is just for fun so don’t worry about it being good or bad. :P

Here’s my go:

“Countless castles created for kings uncrowned.”

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Hemingway Challenge