Journalist Simone Stolzoff Explores How to Build Tolerance for Uncertainty
Simone Stolzoff, a journalist who describes himself as naturally uncertain and prone to self-doubt, has written a new book titled How to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World That Demands Answers. The book examines why modern life makes it harder to live with not knowing and offers insights on learning to tolerate uncertainty.
Stolzoff’s personal experience of struggling to choose between two career paths—journalism in New York or design in San Francisco—highlighted his intolerance for uncertainty. He realized that his desire for certainty caused significant anxiety. This realization inspired his exploration of how people can better cope with the unknown in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Why This Matters
In today’s fast-changing environment, uncertainty is a constant. Yet, many people find it difficult to accept not knowing what the future holds. Stolzoff’s work is important because it addresses the growing intolerance for uncertainty, which research links to the rise of the internet and smartphones. These technologies create an expectation for immediate answers, reducing opportunities to sit with ambiguity and build resilience.
Learning to tolerate uncertainty can improve mental health, reduce anxiety, and open the door to new possibilities. It also has implications for social cohesion, political polarization, and how individuals navigate personal and professional decisions.
Key Developments in Understanding Uncertainty
- Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom’s research shows global uncertainty has peaked in recent years, but tolerance for it is declining.
- The internet and smartphones contribute to this decline by fostering a need for instant answers and constant updates.
- Exposure to uncertainty, rather than avoidance, is the best way to increase tolerance.
- Uncertainty triggers the brain’s fight-or-flight response, but regulating the nervous system can help people think more clearly and see more possibilities.
Insights from Stolzoff’s Research and Experience
Stolzoff emphasizes that uncertainty is not just a psychological issue but also a physiological one. When people feel threatened by uncertainty, their nervous system reacts, limiting their ability to think analytically. Slowing down and grounding oneself can help shift from reactive to reflective thinking.
He also points out that intolerance for uncertainty contributes to political polarization and social isolation. Being willing to engage with the unknown—whether in conversations with strangers or in life decisions—builds internal evidence that uncertainty is manageable.
Stolzoff uses the metaphor of rowing through fog to describe how to act amid uncertainty: you may not see far ahead, but continuing to move forward is essential. Acting in alignment with one’s values allows people to stand by their choices even without guaranteed outcomes.
Practical Advice and Broader Reflections
- Identify anchors in life—such as family, values, or commitments—that provide stability amid change.
- Recognize that many decisions are reversible and do not require perfect certainty.
- Accept that uncertainty is the birthplace of possibility and growth.
- Understand that fear of uncertainty is linked to fear of death, and embracing life’s finitude can enhance meaning.
Stolzoff’s reporting from Tuvalu, a Pacific nation threatened by rising sea levels, illustrates how communities face uncertainty with both self-sufficiency and collective reliance, a dual approach relevant to many contemporary challenges.
Conclusion
How to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World That Demands Answers by Simone Stolzoff encourages readers to rethink their relationship with uncertainty. By developing tolerance for not knowing, individuals can reduce anxiety, make better decisions, and find new opportunities for connection and growth in an unpredictable world.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
