Accepting Doubt and Uncertainty: Embrace the Unknown
Written on
Chapter 1: The Nature of Uncertainty
In today's world, embracing uncertainty can be incredibly challenging yet essential. For instance, Ms. Colter, a young professional, came in for urgent dental care, overwhelmed by her fear of the dentist. Her hesitance led her to postpone treatment, ultimately leaving the outcome unclear. I remember expressing my own uncertainty about the treatment's success, saying, “I don’t know how this is going to go.” This honesty stemmed from my desire to avoid setting her up for disappointment. However, the next day she opted for another dentist who appeared more confident in the treatment plan.
Now, when patients inquire about the likelihood of successful outcomes, I respond with unwavering confidence, proclaiming, “Absolutely!” I’ve learned that conveying certainty is vital for maintaining trust, particularly with anxious patients. Yet, the truth is that outcomes can be unpredictable, regardless of the procedure or the dentist's expertise. For instance, asserting an “85% chance this root canal will be flawless” parallels a pilot claiming “85% chance I will execute this landing perfectly.” I wouldn’t be inclined to board that flight.
This leads me to ponder why we feel an overwhelming need for absolute certainty. Why can’t we accept the myriad shades of grey in life, rather than viewing everything in black and white?
Section 1.1: Childhood Certainties
Reflecting on my upbringing, I realize that I was taught to believe in unshakeable truths. I understood the identities of my parents as firmly as I grasped that 2+2 equals 4. This pattern persisted into adulthood: five oceans, seven continents, and a solar system once thought to contain nine planets—though Pluto’s status remains contentious. Religion added further layers, delineating clear right from wrong. Lying was unequivocally wrong, while altruism was undeniably right. I perceived life as a massive puzzle, complicated yet ultimately solvable with the right pieces.
From an evolutionary standpoint, this mindset served humanity well. The instinct to recognize a striped orange creature as dangerous was crucial for survival; being wrong was less consequential than failing to notice a predator. The fear of the unknown historically played a significant role in our survival, making it imperative to navigate uncertainty with caution.
Section 1.2: The Comfort of Certainty
People often seek answers to their uncertainties for psychological comfort, as it fosters a sense of control. Conversely, acknowledging that we lack control can be unsettling and stressful. However, what are the repercussions of our inability to tolerate uncertainty? As I worked as a researcher in a nephrology lab, I learned that science requires evidence to substantiate hypotheses. After extensive experimentation over 13 months, I found that results did not align with our expectations. I had to confront the reality that the unknown would reveal itself on its own timetable, independent of my efforts.
Bad science occurs when individuals cling to assumptions and defend them. History has shown us that challenging established beliefs can provoke strong reactions. Consider Galileo, who faced persecution for questioning long-held views. Many resist the discomfort of being wrong, as it can feel like a personal failure. Our beliefs, even when incorrect, offer a framework for interpreting life, causing us to hold onto misguided notions longer than we should.
Chapter 2: The Current Climate of Uncertainty
In today’s world, the resolution of COVID-19 embodies profound uncertainty. Questions abound: How severe is the threat? Is there a cure? Various factions offer conflicting narratives—some view it as a conspiracy or a biological weapon, while others downplay its significance. It seems that having any answer, however misguided, is preferable to facing the discomfort of “I don’t know.”
Moreover, this urgency for certainty extends to our leaders. We often gravitate toward those who project the loudest “truth” and the most confidence, seeking financial advisors who guarantee returns—despite the absence of factual foundation. I recall my father losing significant money in the stock market, primarily due to the overconfidence of a well-dressed advisor. In retrospect, what I sought was assurance, not strategy. This desire for certainty can lead us into poor decisions or allow ourselves to be manipulated.
Section 2.1: The Path to Acceptance
I’m not advocating for blind skepticism; after all, I know my profession as a dentist and that Canada resides in North America. The crux of my argument is that society must learn to accept doubt and not be intimidated by it. We should strive for awareness without rushing to judgment, as our preconceived notions do not alter reality.
The truth is, we are no longer in a primal state, fleeing from immediate threats. Our intellect, rationality, and problem-solving skills afford us the luxury of time to confront the unknown. Perhaps we could take a page from Richard Feynman, who articulated:
“I can live with doubt, uncertainty and not knowing. It’s much more interesting to live with not knowing than to have answers that might be wrong.”
Reflecting back, Ms. Colter ultimately returned to my practice months later, necessitating the extraction of the same tooth she had previously avoided treating. She expressed disappointment over her earlier expenses, and in that moment, I felt a deep sense of empathy. After all, I've faced similar uncertainties; we all have.