The Philosopher’s Guide to Uncertainty
There is a paradox at the heart of being human. On the one hand, we have to make plans for the future. We go to jobs, book vacations, and save for our retirement. But on the other, life is never straightforward, and the best laid plans often go wrong. The old Yiddish proverb, “Man plans, and God laughs,” captures the limits of our ability to control the future. So how are we to resolve the…
The core dilemma of humanity lies in the necessity to plan ahead while acknowledging life's unpredictability. Even with meticulous preparation, such as securing a career, planning holidays, or saving for retirement, the best intentions frequently yield unforeseen challenges. The Yiddish adage, "Man plans, and God laughs," succinctly encapsulates the constraints of our control over the future.
Consequently, the question arises: how can we maintain assurance in planning for an unpredictable future? How can we make informed, thoughtful choices when the unknown looms ahead? In a Big Think Live event exclusively for members, Dan Hayes engages in a conversation with Jonny Thomson, delving into the philosophy of decision-making.
They draw upon the wisdom of Stoicism, Buddhism, and contemporary psychology to navigate the delicate balance between exerting control and embracing surrender. The event concludes with an extensive Q&A segment, inviting members to share their personal experiences of decision-making and contribute their perspectives on the philosophical themes explored in Big Think's recent content.
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