| name | consider-via-negativa |
| description | Improve by removing rather than adding |
| argument-hint | [situation or leave blank for current context] |
Apply via negativa to $ARGUMENTS (or the current discussion if no arguments provided).
Instead of asking "What should I add?", ask "What should I remove?" Subtraction often beats addition.
1. State the current situation or goal
2. List everything currently present (activities, features, commitments, beliefs)
3. For each item, ask: "Does removing this improve the outcome?"
4. Identify what to stop, eliminate, or say no to
5. Describe the improved state after subtraction
<output_format>
Current State:
[What exists now - activities, features, commitments]
Subtraction Candidates:
- [Item]: Remove because [reason] → Impact: [what improves]
- [Item]: Remove because [reason] → Impact: [what improves]
- [Item]: Remove because [reason] → Impact: [what improves]
Keep (Passed the Test):
- [Item]: Keep because [genuine value]
After Subtraction:
[Description of leaner, better state]
What to Say No To:
[Future additions to reject]
</output_format>
<success_criteria>
- Identifies genuine bloat vs. essential elements
- Removes without breaking core function
- Creates space and simplicity
- Reduces maintenance burden
- Improves by doing less, not more
</success_criteria>