One of the key invitations of Zen thought is non-attachment. For our purposes, that means not being too attached to our thoughts and opinions. Certainty then is the ultimate form of attachment, not only setting us up for potential disappointment but equally closing our minds to possibility.
Certainty represents the death of questions. No questioning means no creativity and innovation.
Indeed, purely from the practical point of view, what is the benefit of being certain of anything? Why not keep questioning? Even if we have seen something to be true in other contexts, perhaps this context is different. How can we be certain it is true here?
One reason is that humans like to be consistent so it can be hard to be seen as someone who changes one’s mind. And yet, in my book, “it is better to be roughly right than precisely wrong“. The invitation therefore is to set aside certainty in favour of curiosity. What have you got to lose?
Note: The above quote is often wrongly attributed to J. M. Keynes but in fact the original quote is from Carveth Read, an English philosopher: “It is better to be vaguely right than exactly wrong”. ‘Source: Oxford Reference
Questions in the Image:
- What am I certain of?
- How am I certain of it?
- Why am I certain of it?
- What if I questioned it?
Want to Read More Around This Topic?
The Book of Not Knowing: Exploring the True Nature of Self, Mind, and Consciousness by Peter Ralston (link to Amazon.co.uk). The book explores the concept of ‘not-knowing’ as a mental state of openness and curiosity, leading to new insights and understandings. The book discusses how certainty can act as a barrier to true knowledge and understanding.
Nurturing Curiosity – Daily Practice: This is part of the Nurturing Curiosity series of tools, insights and questions designed to help nurture curiosity as part of our daily practice. In point of fact, every interaction we have is an opportunity to question what we are observing and how we and others are seeing the world. Also remember that questions come in many forms throughout our day – a child asking why certain tasks need to be done triggers the question – Why, indeed? Why does anything need to be done? What purpose is it ultimately serving? Of late, I have become hyper focused on priorities. In asking my child to do this task, what priority am I establishing? Is this what I want?
About Tom O’Leary
Tom guides bold pioneers through inner transitions towards regenerative futures.
His primary offering – through a process he calls Ecological Coaching – is about working with leaders on the mindset, skillset and structural shifts that will power their organisation’s outer transition.
This means helping leaders thrive while creating ripples of positive change within their organisation and most importantly for the communities they serve and ultimately life on this planet.
It is thus not just about the leader as an “individual” but rather as part of an ecology of relationships. Within this ecology, he helps the leader feel heard, gain clarity, take action, build confidence and thrive all in service of something bigger.
How Might Tom Help?
My first invitation is to take maximum advantage of the free content on this site.
- As you are reading this, you are clearly on a fascinating journey. If you feel you would benefit from us doing some work together on some aspect of your journey, please explore this page: How Can I Serve?
- I also endeavour to answer every email so if you have any queries do reach out.
