Past Events
A Deep Dive into the Wisdom of Uncertainty at the Cos Club
November 18th, 2024
4:30 - 6:00 pm
122 E. 66th St.
New York, NY
How can an ‘uncertainty mindset’ equip us to dwell skillfully in a space of possibilities and adapt to a fast-changing world? What does it mean to ‘lean into’ unsureness and how does this cognitive skill fuel insight, clarity, resilience, and vision? How can unsureness help us stand up for what's right and heal the divisions of our day? Maggie appears at New York’s venerable Cosmopolitan Club to discuss the unexpected gifts of being unsure in an era of flux and angst. Based on cutting-edge reporting around the globe and deep multidisciplinary research, Uncertain is a must-read for our times.
Books will be available for purchase. For more information, contact the Cos Club.
A Timely Conversation on the Wisdom of Uncertainty with Artist Sarah Jane Lapp
November 7th, 2024
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Wanskuck Library - Downtown
233 Veazie Street
Providence, RI
In an age of tumult, quick-fix answers and neat bullet points seem the ticket to success. We fear not-knowing and equate being unsure with weakness. But an urgent rethink is due: the uncertainty that we shun turns out to be the mindset most needed today. In this interactive evening, pioneering author Maggie Jackson draws on her acclaimed new book Uncertain to discuss why we should seek not-knowing in an age of flux and angst. In our politics, workplaces, relationships, and inner lives, uncertainty is the missing link to thinking and relating well. Maggie will be in conversation with renowned local artist Sarah Jane Lapp. Light refreshments served. Books available courtesy of Heartleaf Books. Presented by The Artists Loop and the Providence Library System.
Free, but spots are limited so registration is recommended.
The Writing Life: The Provocation of Uncertainty
September 17th, 2024
3:30 - 5:00 pm
New York Society Library
53 East 79th Street
New York, NY
Do you fear the blank page and curse the unsureness that is an inescapable part of writing? Contrary to popular assumption, uncertainty is actually a proven ally to good thinking, a boon to creativity, and an antidote to the angst that holds us back from soaring creativity. Part of the venerable New York Society Library's "Writing Life" series, this free interactive talk by the acclaimed author of Uncertain will explore how to harness the "good stress" of not-knowing - and bring more curiosity, wonder, and discernment to your writing! Open to NYSL members only.
Learn more about how to join here!
Uncertain in Ann Arbor
September 11th, 2024
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown
343 S. Fifth Street
Ann Arbor, MI
Why does a restful pause seed deep insight and learning? How can unsureness help us stand up for what's right while also begin to heal the divisions of our day? How does ambivalence make leaders more resourceful? Join Maggie Jackson at the beautiful downtown Ann Arbor District Library for a deep dive into the neural workings of uncertainty and the new scientific discoveries revealing the wisdom of this long-misunderstood state of mind.There will be an interactive book talk as well as signings for both Uncertain and Distracted.
Summer Speaker Series - Acoaxet Club
July 30th, 2024
4:30 - 6:00 pm
152 Howland Rd,
Westport, MA
In this event open to all, Maggie brings Uncertain to the summer Speaker Series of the venerable Acoaxet Club on the Atlantic shore. She will discuss the critical role that our uncertainty plays in curiosity, resilience, creativity, and adaptability – the cognitive skills we need most in an era of rising unknowns. Maggie will share cutting-edge science, practical strategies, a few of her reporting adventures, and secrets to flourishing in a time of flux. Come prepared to learn, question, and ponder the gifts of being unsure! Refreshments available for purchase, and books will be sold courtesy of Partner’s General Store.
Open to all and no reservations required. For more information, contact the Club.
Book Love Presents: A Talk and Reading with the Author of Uncertain
July 18th, 2024
6:00 - 7:30 pm
7 Village Green South
Plymouth, MA
Join Maggie for a summertime dive into Uncertain at Book Love, a store with heart and spunk by the Massachusetts shore. In a year fraught with precarity in geopolitics, climate and health, Maggie's timely and popular scientific adventure tale explains why we should paradoxically seek not-knowing and unsureness in times of flux. Book Love started life in a shipping container and is now a spacious, light-filled treasure trove of books and more, set in The Pinehills community of Plymouth, just a few miles from Cape Cod Bay.
Yale Club of D.C. Virtual Book Talk
July 10th, 2024
6:30 - 7:45 pm
Virtual
How can unsureness help us stand up for what's right while also begin to heal the divisions of our day? How does ambivalence make leaders more resourceful? Why is the uncertainty we fear actually essential for curiosity, creativity, and resilience? Join Maggie for an interactive talk on her acclaimed new book Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure. Drawing on cutting-edge reporting from Paris to Los Angeles and in-depth multi-disciplinary research, Jackson upends our outdated notions of uncertainty as inertia and weakness. Instead, productive not-knowing is a proven path to mental well-being, a promising strategy for making AI safe for humanity and the mindset we most need in this time of flux and angst. Hosted by the Yale Club of DC.
Information available at the Club's website. Open to Alumni and Yale Club DC Members. Register here.
The Wisdom of Uncertainty: Launching a Non-Fiction Reading Series
May 29th, 2024
7:00 - 8:00 pm
Serendipity Books
108 E. Middle Street
Chelsea, MI
How can we skillfully contend with the unknown and the unsureness it sparks?
How can we cultivate the wisdom of uncertainty - and not appear weak? Why is not-knowing an unsung antidote to polarization? On the next leg of the popular "Uncertain Tour," Maggie will be the inaugural author in a new series of non-fiction talks at Serendipity Books in beautiful book-loving Chelsea, Michigan.
Free, with books available for purchase and signing.