Uncertainty
a short essay.
If variety is the spice of life, then could uncertainty be its unmarked measuring cup? What would life be without uncertainty?
Uncertainty is a friend of mine. I embrace her. We often joke that if my defining punctuation mark is “!”, hers is “?”. I am prone to quick opinions and decisions, and Uncertainty reminds me to stay open-minded. She is the one who encourages me to invite Skepticism and Naysayer to the table. Grudgingly, and at Uncertainty’s urging, I invite Details, Alternatives, and Trade-offs. My decisions are the better for it. And, it’s not just decisions that are made better - conversations and experiences are enriched through Uncertainty’s extended network. She keeps me humble and curious.
Ours is a complicated and paradoxical friendship. In my darkest hours, I struggle with Uncertainty. I beg her to leave, but, like any good friend, she is steadfast. These days she seems to be everywhere. I’ve made my peace with her, but many have not and she commands respect. Uncertainty is fierce. I am witness to the anger and angst she provokes and, as her friend, I do my best to smooth her wake. “Get used to her,” I’ll mumble. But imposing a fondness for Uncertainty is counter-productive; only through redirection can Uncertainty be tolerated. I have found more success in spending energy on Alternatives, than spending energy on banishing Uncertainty.
Still, invariably, Uncertainty is seen as something to be avoided and mitigated. Countless emails and meetings are dedicated to abolishing her. Those who adjust their opinions are seen as untrustworthy flip-floppers. As a society, we appear determined to stamp her out: weather, stock markets, decisions, diagnoses, genetic engineering, bus waiting times, book advances, credit scores, …. The list is long. As a result of our friendship, I’m cautious of anyone that claims, as one recent vendor did, “experience certainty”. That’s what they call a red flag. I believe certainty is, at best, illusive, and, at worst, a sham. Only Uncertainty is real. Why the disdain for Uncertainty?
Life would be dull without Uncertainty. I can’t imagine a life where every roll of the dice was a foregone conclusion. Still not convinced? At the very core of existence lies Heisenberg’s principle bounding precision. I’m encouraged to see that Uncertainty is gaining popularity in mainstream circles. A colleague of mine, knowing of our longstanding friendship, recently forwarded a Forbes article, “Why embracing uncertainty is critical to your success”. Life is better with Uncertainty. Next time you find yourself leery of uncertainty, think of my quirky courageous friend, Uncertainty. She has a great sense of humor, piercing green eyes, and boundless capacity for new friends. I can’t imagine my life without Uncertainty and I bet Heisenberg would agree.