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The Illusion of Control: Stability and Randomness in Modern Life
Modern society experiences stability and predictability in day-to-day life, contrasting sharply with the unpredictable and tumultuous lives of prehistoric humans. Unlike our ancestors who faced constant danger and uncertainty, we inhabit a world where routines remain unchanged, like ordering from Amazon or visiting Starbucks. This consistent environment gives rise to an 'illusion of control,' leading us to overlook the significant impact of chance and randomness. Despite the appearance of control and stability, the world is in constant flux, with rapid changes such as technological advancements and global crises reshaping our reality swiftly. We are witnessing a unique shift where parents are now learning from their children, a phenomenon unseen in previous human history. This discrepancy between our stable personal experiences and the ever-changing world structure causes us to underestimate the role of unpredictability in shaping events, ultimately creating a new and challenging dynamic in modern society.