The Uncertainty Mindset 2019-2020

When future outcomes are uncertain—which is not exactly the same as when the current situation is uncertain. Both futures and situations become more uncertain the more complex, interconnected, and interdependent they are. The problem of uncertain futures has been especially vexing in global responses to coronavirus. However, only uncertain future offer the possibility of innovation and of surprise and delight. Needless to say, the uncertainty mindset is appropriate for uncertain futures while the risk mindset is not. See also: causality, goal-setting, inefficiency, knowability, long-term view, negative capability, not-knowing, precautionary principle, realistic imagination.