Living With Uncertainty
Saturday February 21, 2026 by Christopher Jordan

It cannot be denied that change is inevitable. What then can be certain if this is true? Is it possible that our ability to change is possible because of what we regard as certain: That there are elements of ourselves and our society that are born to adapt.

Our birth carries the characteristics of ourselves that maintain our integrity while permitting adaptation. If we frame adaptation as growth, we can see past foundations promoting future development.

The birth of our Nation was based upon the establishment of governance that took into account the needs of all of its citizens and future citizens, with systems put in place for it to adapt and grow.

Our current state of existence should be a surprise to no one. Forty years ago “Information Over-load,” and the “Dawn of a New Civilization,” was predicted by the author and Futurist Alvin Toffler. A decade before that he described confusion and a break-down in normal decision making processes as a result of “Future Shock,” in the 1970 book of the same name.

What happens when we find ourselves in a state of confusion, and our decision making becomes upended? The rise of opportunists. And, isn’t it interesting that there are entities, individually and collectively, who use these states to produce environments, which give them opportunities they can use to succeed ahead of others?

What we need is to foster the rise of realists, of pragmatism that results from “Idealism without illusion.” A quote attributed to JFK. This can occur when we look for compassion and honesty in ourselves and our leaders. We can navigate change, we can live with uncertainty when we hold to that, which is certain: We all matter, the survival of the Earth matters.

The anxiety of uncertainty, when sustained is unhealthy. What is healthy? Joy. “Happiness manifests when we act with kindness,” the current Dalai Lama once said.

Trust in a future capable of joy and growth by embracing uncertainty optimistically through maintenance of our personal integrity, while demanding the same from our leadership. Leaders we put in place. Choose with certainty those who we trust can abide by the laws we agree upon, and navigate World change justly, respectfully and effectively. In doing so, we face uncertainty confidently.