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The Great Uncertainty of Life — And How to Cope

How to approach life’s many challenges

Thomas Oppong
4 min readJan 25, 2023
Artwork: Last Words of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius by Eugene Delacroix

Uncertainty is an unavoidable and ever-present part of the human experience. Throughout history, people have sought ways to navigate the uncertain times of the future. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “The only constant thing in life is change.”

Uncertainty is a natural part of life, and it can come in many forms, such as changes in our personal or professional lives, financial insecurity, or uncertainty about the future.

Some people may find uncertainty unsettling or stressful, while others may view it as an exciting opportunity for growth and change.

For centuries, people have drawn from the teachings of philosophers, sages, and spiritual leaders to find clarity in difficult times.

Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher, thought uncertainty is an inherent part of life and that we should learn to accept and adapt to it rather than trying to control or predict everything.

Uncertainty is not always negative. It can push us out of our comfort zones and help us to discover new things about ourselves.

Embracing uncertainty can lead to new perspectives, new experiences, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

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Thomas Oppong
Thomas Oppong

Written by Thomas Oppong

Making the wisdom of great thinkers instantly accessible. As seen on Forbes, Inc. and Business Insider. For my popular essays, go here: https://thomasoppong.com

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