The path to Tranquility (spring)
37. Accepting the uncertainty of life
Life is like a ship sailing in the vast ocean. Although we are the captain, holding the steering wheel and seemingly in control of the direction, the ocean is never under control. The wind roars, the undercurrent surges, and the future is always shrouded in fog. This is the uncertainty of life, which is both real and profound.
Human evolution is the embodiment of this uncertainty: from the ocean to the land, from the wilderness to civilization. Uncertainty is not a curse, but a gift from nature. It is the compass of scientists and the inspiration of artists, leading us to the unknown starry sky.
Since childhood, we have been taught to make plans and pursue goals: high scores, prestigious schools, stable careers, and successful lives. Although the blueprint was once clear, reality is often unpredictable. An exam or an emotional ups and downs may cause us to deviate from our original intentions and fall into confusion and pain.
People often fear uncertainty because it implies loss of control and risk. We make plans, buy insurance, and pray for protection just to seek that certainty. Although death is the only certainty in life, we have no control over when, how, and under what circumstances it will happen. As a result, we dwell on the past, worry about the future, and have difficulty in being at peace with the present.
In fact, uncertainty in life is inevitable. Since we cannot control everything, why not choose to accept it? Acceptance does not mean to endure or give up, but to let go of the obsession with "absolute control". This is courage - the courage to answer those questions that seem to have no answers; this is also wisdom - to find the direction in the fog and steer the ship in the storm.
Uncertainty is not only a characteristic of life, but also a driving force for human progress. When faced with challenges such as disasters and diseases, it forces us to find a way out and tap our potential. Even a silent stone can become part of the foundation and support a tall building through our efforts.
Early humans lived in an environment full of uncertainty: food availability, climate change, and the threat of wild animals all prompted humans to think, invent, and gather. The agricultural revolution and the industrial revolution were both human responses to the unknown world. In the face of uncertainty, we truly learned to make choices, take responsibility, and persevere. Uncertainty is like a chisel, carving the destiny of mankind.
Columbus set sail in the fog and discovered the New World; Apollo 11 ventured to land on the moon and opened a new chapter in the universe. Uncertainty is the companion of these journeys and the prelude to success. Every challenge will sow the seeds of growth in the hearts of human beings.
The birth of quantum mechanics is the result of scientists facing microscopic uncertainty. It overturned the old view of the universe, laid the foundation for modern technology, and gave birth to chips and computers. Uncertainty is like the sea breeze, pushing the ship of science to the distance. Artists embrace the unknown in front of a blank canvas, entrepreneurs seize opportunities in a changing market, and students study hard without knowing the test results - because of uncertainty, they can create miracles.
In the face of external uncertainty, we can respond through internal certainty: determine our own values, beliefs, and direction; focus on the present and find out what we really need. Past experiences and lessons can also be transformed into strength to face challenges. These are the anchors that keep us stable in the storm.
True crisis awareness comes from calmly accepting uncertainty. This means that we no longer pursue a false sense of security, but face challenges calmly, protect our own lives, and take the initiative to create our own future. The smaller the time and space we focus on, the higher the certainty we get. This is how we dance with uncertainty and our ability to enjoy the present. Exploring the laws of development of things is the wisdom of transforming the unknown into consciousness.
When plans encounter obstacles, we need to be flexible like water and adjust; when failure comes, we should regard it as an attempt to set sail. By practicing focusing on our own breathing and heartbeat, sharing fears and connecting with others, we can light a beacon of hope in the stormy sea and strengthen our confidence to reach our destination.
The beauty of life is that it interweaves the unknown with consciousness in uncertainty. Life is like an improvisation, without a fixed score, but it is moving because of every unexpected note. Therefore, when we are willing to accept uncertainty, we can truly begin to live - live in reality, not in fantasy.
To understand the meaning of existence in uncertainty is to gain the deepest certainty. Uncertainty and certainty are essentially the same, both are manifestations of the law of cosmic probability. Therefore, only by letting go of the obsession with absolute control can happiness come quietly. By getting rid of the fear of uncertainty, we can become free beings, board the ship of cosmic consciousness, fly across infinite possibilities, and shuttle between uncertainty and certainty.
36. Don't forget to utilize logical thinking
38. The nature and objective definition of love
