MAGGIE JACKSON: Why “not knowing” is 2024’s survival superpower
Feb 20, 2024
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Award-winning author and journalist Maggie Jackson discusses the benefits of embracing uncertainty, building 'uncertainty tolerance', and the importance of not always knowing the answers. They also explore the wild idea of ocean swimming, using hedge words, and championing leaders who admit 'I don't know' as ways to navigate the complexities of our times.
Embracing uncertainty leads to increased creativity and agility.
Reflecting on new information enhances memory retention and deeper understanding.
Being open to ambivalence fosters better decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Deep dives
The Power of Embracing Uncertainty
Uncertainty is a space for possibilities and invites us to learn and grow. Embracing uncertainty can lead to increased creativity, curiosity, and agility.
The Importance of Pausing and Reflecting
Taking pauses and reflecting on new information allows for better memory retention, deeper understanding, and the ability to extract insights and abstract information.
The Role of Ambivalence in Decision Making
Being open to ambivalence helps in making better decisions and embracing multiple perspectives. It can lead to resourcefulness, inclusivity, and more effective problem solving.
Tolerance of Uncertainty in Overcoming Polarization
Developing tolerance of uncertainty is crucial in combating polarization and fostering mutual understanding. It requires perspective-taking and seeing individuals beyond categories and stereotypes.
Applying Uncertainty in Online Dialogues
In online dialogues, using hedge words and emphasizing curiosity and openness can create a more productive and empathetic conversation. Slowing down, being thoughtful, and resisting the pressure to react impulsively are essential in fostering more meaningful online interactions.
Maggie Jackson (award-winning author and journalist) has just written a book - Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure – that argues that while humans crave certainty, we actually experience a less anxious, more productive, happier life when we embrace not knowing.
Maggie is known for her writing on social trends, particularly technology’s impact on humanity. She’s written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and New Philosopher. But her latest work draws on a wave of new science that shows how building “uncertainty tolerance” (instead of running from what we don’t know or can’t get an immediate answer or fix for) is an antidote to the dangerous complexity of our times. Maggie and I chat about the wild idea of ocean swimming, using hedge words and actively championing leaders who say, “I don’t know” as ways to save humanity.