Fostering Uncertainty
"Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating." -- Carl von Clausewitz
Arriving at a point of certainty is a sure indicator that we have stopped learning and have dismissed any new information that might inform our opinion of outcome as otherwise. -- me
I want to always be learning. I desire that those around me be learning. I want to be around people who are curious, who are looking at things in new ways and constantly aware that there might be better ways to do things. I want questions that probe current understanding. I want uncertainty.
That seems a strange thing to desire -- uncertainty. Most of us want a blanket of security in knowing with certainty what the day holds. It is an unrealistic expectation. Safety and security are illusory.
I believe businesses need to foster a level of uncertainty and I believe our educational systems need to do the same. The fires of curiosity must constantly be fanned -- not always to a blazing heat, but at least to a constant glowing ember that can be brought to flame with addition of new fuel. Growth is found in curiosity. Without curiosity we slowly fade.
I am uncertain what the flower pictured below is. My best guess is that it is a Soft Golden-aster (Chrysopsis pilosa). It was growing near our entry, and I thought it was very photogenic. If you have a more accurate identity, please add it in the comments.