Does this skill prevent me from adding new features?

No, it follows a 'subtraction before addition' workflow. It ensures the existing foundation is lean and healthy before introducing new complexity.

How does this skill help with software development?

It prompts the AI to look for opportunities to delete code, simplify logic, and remove features that add complexity without value, leading to more maintainable and robust codebases.

What is the core principle of the Via Negativa skill?

It is based on the principle that we know what is wrong with more certainty than what is right. It improves systems by removing harmful elements rather than adding new, unproven ones.

When should I use Via Negativa instead of standard approaches?

Use it when dealing with high uncertainty, complex systems, or legacy debt where adding more 'solutions' often introduces more problems than it solves.

Via Negativa Thinking Pattern

Name: Via Negativa Thinking Pattern
Author: lev-os

bylev-os

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Productivity & Workflow

Improves decision-making and system design by identifying and removing harmful or redundant elements before adding new features.

The Via Negativa skill implements a subtractive mental model based on the principle that negative knowledge is more robust than positive. It guides Claude to focus on what to avoid and what to remove rather than what to add, helping users simplify complex architectures, eliminate technical debt, and mitigate risks. By prioritizing the removal of 'bads'—such as bugs, unused code, or toxic habits—over the addition of fragile 'goods,' this skill creates more resilient systems and clearer strategic paths in development and beyond.

Key Features

01Inversion-based problem solving to identify and avoid failure modes

02Subtractive epistemology to simplify complex software architectures

030 GitHub stars

04Systematic identification of high-certainty negative elements for removal

05Evaluation framework to distinguish between robust negative knowledge and fragile positive advice

06Downside protection by focusing on 'not losing' rather than 'winning'

Use Cases

01Refactoring legacy codebases by identifying and deleting dead code and unused features

02Defining strategic product roadmaps by establishing clear 'non-goals' to prevent scope creep

03Optimizing system performance by removing bottlenecks and unnecessary dependencies

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add lev-os/agents via-negativa

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill