Ambiguity is the answer
we’ve been searching for.
In this digestible yet deeply researched book, Kyle Crawford weaves together a unique collection of histories to remind us of what it takes to truly bring about significant change in a world dominated by powerful interests: the use of ambiguity.
Hailed as "hopeful medicine for those who seek to lead impactful lives and bend the arc toward justice,"Ambiguity is the Answer is destined to be a classic for anyone trying to succeed against the odds.
“A wonderful achievement…discover hope, inspiration, and the blueprints for change.”
— James F. Wilson, Executive Officer and Professor, Theater and Performance, Africana Studies, The Graduate Center, CUNY
Lessons from the Best
Featuring stories and insights from dozens of the most brilliant, creative, and impactful figures in history.
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo
Gwendolyn Brooks
Gwendolyn Brooks
Maya Lin
Maya Lin
Frantz Fanon
Frantz Fanon
Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula K. Le Guin
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant
Jane Jacobs
Jane Jacobs
Thurgood Marshall
Thurgood Marshall
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday
Marlon Riggs
Marlon Riggs
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin
John Boyd
John Boyd
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman
Tupac Amaru
Tupac Amaru
Quinta Brunson
Quinta Brunson
Audre Lorde
Audre Lorde
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez
Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf
Ralph Ellison
Ralph Ellison
Pham Xuan An
Pham Xuan An
plus many more!
“ Kyle Crawford takes the ambiguity out of ambiguity and gives us a clear idea how to win.
A great read. ”
— Robert Coram, Author of Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War
Contents
15 chapters illuminating unique and timeless applications of ambiguity for succeeding against the odds.
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Ambiguity as Precursor
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Ambiguity as Acceptance
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Ambiguity as Tension
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Ambiguity as Split
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Ambiguity as Options
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Ambiguity as Interpretation
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Ambiguity as Protection
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Ambiguity as Completeness
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Ambiguity as Connection
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Ambiguity as Advantage
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Ambiguity as Accuracy
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Ambiguity as Opening
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Ambiguity as Attraction
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Ambiguity as Intrigue
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Ambiguity as Form
“A profound and persuasive book that will change the way you look at your environment.”
— Adam Golden, Creator of Fly Revolutionary Hustler
"In Ambiguity is the Answer, we can reconnect to our reckless abandon, creating without expectation, and rewriting our ability to survive without the doubt and self-sabotage that comes with unwarranted compliance."
— Cristy Carrera Road, Author & Artist, Spit & Passion, Next World Tarot
"Reading this book certainly helped shape the way I approach the design process in practice and teach it to students."
— Raelynn O'leary, Principal at Dezudio, and Special Faculty at Carnegie Mellon University School of Design
"In a culture that favors short-term solutions and binary reactions to current events, Kyle Crawford's Ambiguity is the Answer offers a refreshing guide to favor nuance, depth, and ambiguity for long-game success."
— Jeffrey Davis, Founder and CEO, Tracking Wonder
"With fluid and concise prose, Kyle Crawford is able to provide a conceptual framework for intentionally embracing ambiguity."
— Hans Barr, Author of Speculative Cookery
About the Author
Kyle Crawford is a strategist who has worked with and studied movements and organizations for nearly two decades. His work on ambiguity has been featured in industry-leading outlets including the Stanford Social Innovation Review and Social Policy. He leads new initiatives for a $2B community healthcare organization in New York City and plays an active role on the Board of Directors of the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in Pittsburgh, a creative home rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people. Kyle has degrees in sociology and social work, and was a Jonas Salk Fellow at the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, where he also worked on HIV initiatives. A west coast transplant, Kyle lives in upstate New York with his family.
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From the Introduction
“Ambiguity is the Answer is rooted in the discovery and fundamental belief that, in circumstances where we’re outmatched, ambiguity can offer the protection and possibility we need to succeed anyways.
How and why we can use ambiguity to make the impact we desire is the focus of this book.”
Questions
What have readers been saying about the book?
Ambiguity is the Answer has been celebrated by everyone from artists and strategists to activists and entrepreneurs. Readers have been really surprised by how clear the writing is, how memorable the stories are, and how applicable the lessons are to their lives and work. People often share reactions like “This came to me at the perfect time” and “I didn’t even realize I needed a book like this.”
Where can I buy Ambiguity is the Answer for my library or indie bookstore?
Ambiguity is the Answer is distributed through Ingram. Bookstores and libraries can purchase using the ISBN: 979-8-218-40621-9.
Is there an audiobook or ebook version?
Both versions will be available in 2025 but right now Ambiguity is the Answer is only available in paperback. We wanted to focus on designing the physical book just right first.
Can Kyle Crawford help my team with ambiguity and strategy?
Yes! Kyle loves giving talks and working with folks. He is currently booking for 2025-2026. Fill out the form on the Speaking page and we’ll start coordinating with you.