When it comes to describing the current state of the world, one word continuously resurfaces: uncertainty. This uncertainty destabilizes us because there’s nothing more reassuring than thinking we can predict what’s ahead. I imagine everyone deals with uncertainty differently – I, for one, am currently getting daily doses of rationalization from Philippe! As for me, I usually turn to philosophy for answers, not only to stave off panic but also to find inspiration—inspiration that I strive to put to work at The École to make sure we always stay on course no matter what the environment is. Here are a few examples that have helped me in the past.
Hannah Arendt suggests that uncertainty makes us withdraw into ourselves and, in doing so, narrows the scope of our thinking. It’s pretty much what I’d been doing for the past few days—burying my head in the sand, forcing myself not to see anything so I don’t have to think about it. I’ve promised myself to be more present in the world, both morally and intellectually, and to think of uncertainty beyond financial chaos and the possible consequences and shocks of AI as it upends how we teach and learn.
In France, Albert Camus made uncertainty fertile ground for developing a philosophy that celebrates joy and resistance: no matter what, keep on living a life full of things that make it more beautiful. At The École, that means a life full of discovery, color, laughter, art, and empathy. We cannot remove uncertainty, but we can transform it into something that gives direction and meaning.
Taoism from China—where 26 middle schoolers and 4 of their teachers are returning from tomorrow after an epic trip—teaches us to distance ourselves from what we cannot control because our desire to control everything is a source of suffering. You have to know when to let go. I remember using a similar line of reasoning in an attempt to lift the team’s spirits in the wake of COVID—we had to focus on what truly matters (what we do best): the children’s learning in our classroom.
Finally, Nietzsche—perhaps the philosopher of chaos par excellence—invites us to embrace uncertainty, to grow with it since it makes us stronger and allows us to give birth,’ as he elegantly puts it, to “a dancing star.” We can’t know everything—and that’s how it should be— because thanks to uncertainty, we will create something even more beautiful. It’s a powerful idea that gives me strength and inspires my work at The École.
So there you have it: a few strategies I use to try to make sense of the world around me. I should add, I admit, that sometimes a glass or two does the trick, like yesterday evening at the Apéro. I’d love to hear about your strategies. I imagine, for many of you, it starts with heading off on spring break. There’s nothing like a change of scenery to give you a new perspective. Andria and I will fly to Taiwan this weekend, and we’re looking forward to seeing friends and former colleagues there and dipping back into our former life for a few days.
We’ll see you all again on April 28—who knows, maybe things will be clearer by then. Wishing you all a wonderful break, and a special shout-out to The École Camp Team, who will be taking care of our campers next week!