On Embracing Uncertainty

On Embracing Uncertainty

By Janpha Thadphoothon

I'm not a scientist nor a mathematician; I'm just an ordinary language teacher. Sometimes, I wonder if I should consider myself a scientist, but I do lecture at a university.

In this blog, I want to talk about uncertainty, something I've been reflecting on after reading several quotes (I'm a sucker for quotes). It's healthy and normal, actually, to have some doubts or to be uncertain about things. Don't be so sure.

Richard Feynman once said that the main duty of a great scientist is to stay uncertain. They should be humble enough to say, "I could be wrong."

For me, the idea of uncertainty is beautifully summed up in these quotes:

"Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won't have a title until much later." - Bob Goff

"Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security." - John Allen Paulos

"Life is inherently uncertain. Plans are fragile. That's why they're beautiful." - Scott Berkun

"Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn't mean to take." - Angela N. Blount

"Embrace the uncertainty. Allow it to lead you places. Be brave as it challenges you to exercise both your heart and your mind as you create your own path towards happiness. Don't waste time with regret. Spin wildly into your next action. Enjoy the present, each moment, as it comes, because you'll never get another one quite like it. And if you should ever look up and find yourself lost, simply take a breath and start over. Retrace your steps and go back to the purest place in your heart... where your hope lives. You'll find your way again." - Gilmore Girls

Ignorance

I am of the opinion that it's perfectly okay to say "I don't know." It's an honest answer. 

In a world where we often feel pressured to have all the answers, admitting that we don't know something can be liberating. It's a recognition of our own limitations and an acknowledgment of the vastness of knowledge yet to be explored.

Saying "I don't know" opens the door to curiosity and learning. It allows us to seek out answers, to ask questions, and to engage with new ideas. It's the starting point of discovery.

Moreover, saying "I don't know" shows humility. It demonstrates that we're willing to admit when we don't have all the answers, and that we're open to learning from others.

Ultimately, saying "I don't know" is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of honesty and intellectual integrity. It's an essential part of the scientific process and a valuable attitude in both personal and professional life.

Now, why does ignorance drive science more than knowledge?

For me, ignorance drives science because it's the acknowledgment of what we don't know that pushes us to seek understanding. It's the questions we can't answer that keep us moving forward, pushing the boundaries of knowledge. While knowledge provides answers, it's the unanswered questions that propel science, continuously evolving and exploring new territories.

And why is the mentality of "I could be wrong" healthy for being a scientist?

In my opinion, the mentality of "I could be wrong" is crucial for scientists because it embodies the fundamental principles of scientific inquiry: skepticism, humility, and open-mindedness.

1. Skepticism: Scientists are trained to question everything, including their own beliefs and hypotheses. Having the mindset of "I could be wrong" encourages scientists to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, ensuring that their conclusions are based on solid evidence rather than personal bias.

2. Humility: Recognizing the possibility of being wrong requires humility. Science is a collaborative effort, and no single scientist knows everything. Embracing the idea that one's conclusions might be flawed encourages scientists to listen to others, seek feedback, and revise their theories based on new evidence.

3. Open-mindedness: Acknowledging that one could be wrong encourages openness to alternative explanations and perspectives. This fosters curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas, even those that challenge existing theories. Such openness is crucial for scientific progress, allowing scientists to consider unconventional hypotheses and discover new avenues of research.

The mentality of "I could be wrong" is essential for being a scientist because it promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and intellectual growth. It helps scientists approach their work with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to uncovering the truth, regardless of where the evidence leads. And I think you would agree with me that this is how progress is made.

The more I know; the more I do not know.

The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. Socrates famously said, "One thing only I know and that is that I know nothing."

This statement captures a profound truth about knowledge and understanding. The more we delve into a subject, the more we uncover its complexities and nuances. This, in turn, reveals the vastness of what we have yet to learn.

Socrates' assertion emphasizes humility in the face of knowledge. It's a recognition that our understanding is always incomplete and subject to revision. Instead of claiming absolute certainty, acknowledging our ignorance allows us to remain open-minded and receptive to new ideas.

In a way, embracing the idea that we know very little is the first step towards true wisdom. It encourages curiosity, inquiry, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. So, paradoxically, the more we realize we don't know, the more we're motivated to seek understanding.

Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.