The need for certainty is the greatest disease the Mind faces
Interpretation
The quest for absolute certainty can hinder our ability to think critically and embrace uncertainty.
Robert Greene's quote highlights the detrimental effects of an excessively strong desire for certainty in our thoughts and decisions. This need can lead to inflexible thinking, stifling creativity, and preventing us from adapting to new information or changing circumstances. Embracing uncertainty allows for greater cognitive flexibility and opens the door to new possibilities.
In practice
This quote could be used in a motivational speech to encourage individuals to embrace the unknown.
In a society where the roles everyone plays are obvious, the refusal to conform to any standard will excite interest. Be both masculine and feminine, impudent and charming, subtle and outrageous. Let other people worry about being socially acceptable; those types are a dime a dozen, and you are after a power greater than they can imagine.
When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control. Even if you are saying something banal, it will seem original if you make it vague, open-ended, and sphinxlike.
The moment people feel they know what to expect from you, your spell on them is broken. More: You have ceded them power.
The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.
The Nihilistic Troll might pretend to be acting in the service of some cause or leader, but don't be fooled. The cause and their supposedly strong convictions are simply a way to justify and provide cover for their abusive behavior.
Only create associations with positive affinities. Make this a rule of life and you will benefit more than from all the therapy in the world.
Because we cannot accept the truth of transience, we suffer.
we are the lords of all eternity
Atonement by the blood of Jesus is not an arm of Christian truth; it is the heart of it.
At times I feel myself overtaken by an immense tenderness for these people around me who live in the same century.
I have everything, yet have nothing; and although I possess nothing, still of nothing am I in want.
It'll be no use their putting their heads down and saying "Come up again, dear!" I shall only look up and say "Who am I then? Tell me that first, and then, if I like being that person, I'll come up: if not, I'll stay down here till I'm somebody else"--but, oh dear!' cried Alice, with a sudden burst of tears, 'I do wish they WOULD put their heads down! I am so VERY tired of being all alone here!
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