The Nocturnists The Power of Pausing in Uncertainty with Maggie Jackson
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May 23, 2024 Maggie Jackson, an award-winning author and journalist, discusses her book "Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure." She dives into the neuroscience of uncertainty, revealing how it affects decision-making in medical contexts, particularly under pressure. Maggie emphasizes the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and slowing down to enhance patient care. She also touches on personal growth through embracing uncertainty, including her newfound love for ocean swimming as a way to navigate life's unpredictabilities.
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Two Types of Uncertainty
- Uncertainty has two main types: aleatory (the unknowable) and epistemic (our psychological response to the unknown).
- Epistemic uncertainty, our reaction to not knowing, is gaining new attention in research.
The Neuroscience of Uncertainty
- Uncertainty feels uncomfortable because it's a stress response, but this unease is beneficial.
- It heightens attention, boosts working memory, and increases receptiveness to new information.
Dopamine and Learning
- Our brains reward us with dopamine for encountering new data or anticipating it, driving curiosity.
- This inherent drive to learn is often hindered by our focus on outcomes.
