Maggie Jackson, a writer and journalist and author of "Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure," shares her insights on the unexpected benefits of embracing uncertainty. She discusses how accepting ambiguity can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and mental well-being. Maggie highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating life's challenges, while also addressing the dangers of closed-mindedness in a polarized society. Her perspective encourages listeners to see uncertainty not as a barrier, but as a unique opportunity for growth and personal development.
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insights INSIGHT
Knowledge's Dynamism
Maggie Jackson highlights the dynamic nature of knowledge, challenging the notion of it as a static entity.
She emphasizes its mutability, viewing uncertainty as "wisdom in motion" rather than a paralyzing force.
insights INSIGHT
The Stress of Uncertainty
Uncertainty triggers a stress response because humans instinctively seek answers for survival.
However, this stress also broadens focus, increases receptiveness to new data, and enhances working memory, creating learning opportunities.
insights INSIGHT
Uncertainty and Learning
Uncertainty, combined with the resulting stress response, creates an ideal environment for learning and growth.
This is because learning involves surprise, and uncertainty jolts us from routine, signaling our brains that there's something new to learn.
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The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
Katy Milkman
In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.
Uncertain
The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure
Maggie Jackson
In 'Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure', Maggie Jackson challenges the conventional view of uncertainty as a flaw and instead presents it as a crucial mindset for navigating complex crises. The book, based on extensive research and interviews, highlights how uncertainty can foster creativity, curiosity, adaptability, and resilience. Jackson examines various domains, including laboratories, political campaigns, and artificial intelligence, to illustrate the positive impact of embracing uncertainty. The book argues that uncertainty is not a hindrance but a necessary component for incisive thinking and day-to-day flourishing in an unpredictable world.
Humans hate uncertainty. It makes us feel unsafe and uneasy. We often organize our lives to avoid it. When it's foisted upon us, we don’t always know how to act.
But writer and journalist Maggie Jackson argues that uncertainty can actually be good for us, and that we’re doing ourselves a disservice by avoiding it.
She tells Sean that embracing uncertainty can spark creativity, improve problem solving skills, and help us lead better, more hopeful lives.
The Gray Area with Sean Illing 
