Maggie Jackson: Embracing Uncertainty

In this episode, we welcome Maggie Jackson, whose latest book, Uncertain, has become essential reading for navigating today’s complex world. Known for her groundbreaking work on attention and distraction, Maggie now turns her focus to uncertainty—not as a problem to be solved, but as a skill to be cultivated.

Note: Uncertain won an Artificiality Book Award in 2024—check out our review here: https://www.artificiality.world/artificiality-book-awards-2024/

In the interview, we explore the neuroscience of uncertainty, the cultural biases that make us crave certainty, and why our discomfort with the unknown may be holding us back. Maggie unpacks the two core types of uncertainty—what we can’t know and what we don’t yet know—and explains why understanding this distinction is crucial for thinking well in the digital age.

Our conversation also explores the implications of AI—as technology increasingly mediates our reality, how do we remain critical thinkers? How do we resist the illusion of certainty in a world of algorithmically generated answers

Maggie’s insights challenge us to reframe uncertainty—not as fear, but as an opportunity for discovery, adaptability, and even creativity. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by ambiguity or pressured to always have the “right” answer, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on why being uncertain might be one of our greatest human strengths.

Links:

• Maggie: https://www.maggie-jackson.com/
• Uncertain: https://www.prometheusbooks.com/9781633889194/uncertain/

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Thanks again to Jonathan Coulton for our music.