Why We Should Seek Uncertainty

At least, as far as our beliefs are concerned.

several individual stand proudly on extremely high pillars of rock rising from a misty abyss shouting at each other from their isolated positions, digital art — by DALL·E

The fight not to be a contrarian is the internal fight not to be convinced by one’s arguments.

As a teenager, I used to be so certain of my first beliefs that I would argue my position to absurd lengths because accepting that I could be wrong or that someone else could be right was an attack on my integrity and quality as a person. I have probably never been so stupid as I was back then.

Slowly, I have tried to open up to as many viewpoints as possible, taking nothing for granted or for sure. Stubbornness is a potent quality that only the most clairvoyant and precise minds can master. Most of the time, it is advisable to stay away from it. If we accept that we may be wrong, we will soon understand our human quality is more often found in that acceptance than in any logical achievement at arguing a point.

If we don’t, we will not lack company because the world seems to have gone in the opposite direction, with communities becoming ever more polarised. We set our positions, put down our templates and then try to squeeze reality into the mould, pressing as hard as necessary for it to fit. We cannot be convinced of being wrong because we see any contradictory argument or evidence as an attack on our stance — and we are at war even if we are…