Maggie Jackson, author of "Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure," shares her transformative journey from fearing uncertainty to embracing it. She discusses how uncertainty fuels creativity and problem-solving, revealing its vital role in personal growth. Jackson emphasizes reframing our mindset towards the unknown, offering strategies to manage fear while facing life's unpredictability. By embracing uncertainty, she argues, we can enrich our experiences and foster resilience, promoting open-mindedness in a polarized world.
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insights INSIGHT
Knowledge as a Tapestry
Knowledge is dynamic and constantly evolving, like a tapestry.
We often treat knowledge as static, like a rock to defend, hindering our understanding of uncertainty.
insights INSIGHT
The Biology of Uncertainty
Our fear of uncertainty stems from a biological need for answers and survival.
Uncertainty triggers a stress response, but also beneficial neural changes that enhance learning.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Lean into Uncertainty
Embrace the stress of uncertainty as a signal for learning.
View uncertainty as a challenge, not a threat, and lean into the discomfort it brings.
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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.
For much of her life, author Maggie Jackson disliked uncertainty and thought of it as something to eradicate as quickly as possible. But when she began to explore the uncertain mind, she discovered new scientific findings showing that uncertainty is critical for astute problem-solving and creativity. She joins Sean to talk about what she learned and how being unsure can lead to a better, more hopeful life.
Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area
The Gray Area with Sean Illing 