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Most people hate and fear uncertainty. It causes such stress and anxiety that we often choose certain surrender over doubt, becoming passive, dependent, addicted—and more anxious than ever. Doubling down on the certainties promised by technology and micro-management only makes things worse, leaving no opportunity for innovation, adaptation or invention.
Artists live with uncertainty constantly—but instead of waiting for the future, they run towards making it, with agency and freedom. What can we learn from them, about facing into a future that grows more uncertain daily?
At a time when organizations of all kinds crave innovation but complain their people lack creativity and initiative, the arts have never been so essential to our future. We may not all be artists, but we can learn to think like them.
Margaret Heffernan makes a compelling argument for the vital integration of art into all aspects of our lives and for artists to guide us with their stamina, freedom and endurance.
“At a time when algorithms promise to extinguish all doubt, Heffernan makes a compelling case for uncertainty as humanity's greatest resource. Her deep examination of how artists work offers an inspired and inspiring model for thriving in an unpredictable world.” Daniel H. Pink, author of The Power of Regret, Drive and Whole New Mind
"A fascinating and thought-provoking read. Margaret Heffernan makes it very clear that, confronted by uncertainty, we need to think like artists. Embracing Uncertainty is current, unique in its approach, solid and necessary.” Penny Hay, Bath Spa University
Margaret Heffernan worked for 13 years as a radio and television drama and documentary producer. She then spent eight years in the US running media technology companies and was named one of the Internet’s Top 100 by Silicon Alley Reporter and one of the Top 100 Media Executives by The Hollywood Reporter.
She is the author of six books and her TED talks have been seen by over 15 million people. She is a frequent broadcaster on BBC Radio 4 and the author of many plays and programmes. In 2023, she was inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame in recognition of the impact of her work. She is Professor of Practice at the University of Bath and mentors CEOs and senior executives of major global organizations. She chairs the board of DACS and is a parish councillor.
www.mheffernan.com
Prologue: the cost of certainty
- Paraorchestra
1. Deep hanging out
- Piers Plowright
2. Into the forest
- Gabriella A. Moses
3. Call and response
- RADA
4. Prepared minds
- Christine Vachon
5. Kill all the poets: art and politics
- RAFTS
Epilogue: the benefits of uncertainty