1981: Why Uncertainty Might Be Your Superpower

So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

Farnoosh Torabi

Business, Entrepreneurship

4.7 • 2K Ratings

🗓️ 11 May 2026

⏱️ 31 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Guest Simone Stolzoff, journalist and author of the new book, How to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World that Demands Answers, says we are living through what the World Health Organization calls a “polycrisis” — overlapping economic, political, technological, and personal disruptions that are leaving many of us feeling anxious, untethered, and desperate for answers.

But what if the goal isn’t to eliminate uncertainty?

What if the real skill is learning how to live with it?

Simone argues that our obsession with certainty — whether in our careers, relationships, finances, or identities — may actually be making us more anxious, less adaptable, and less fulfilled.

In this conversation, we talk about:

Why uncertainty tolerance is declining
The surprising psychology behind layoffs and career anxiety
Why savings can create emotional flexibility, not just financial security
How to stop tying your self-worth to your job title
The dangers of chasing a “dream job”
Why curiosity may be one of the most important skills in the AI era
And how becoming a parent forced Simone to practice what he preaches

Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open!

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey friends, if you've been sitting on a book idea and wondering, could this actually become something,
0:05.2	this is your moment. Join me in New York City on October 9th for book to brand. This is my intimate
0:10.6	full day immersive designed to help you turn your idea into a clear, compelling, pitch-ready book
0:16.0	concept. You will meet the insiders, agents, publishers, and recent authors who can help bring your book to life.
0:23.3	Spots are limited and early birth tickets are on sale now.
0:26.9	Head to booktobrand.co to reserve your spot.
0:29.9	So many episode 1981, why uncertainty might be your superpower.
0:35.4	With Simone Stolesoff, author of How to Not Know.
0:40.0	You're listening to So Money with award-winning money guru Farnoosh Karabi.
0:44.9	Each day, get a 30-minute dose of financial inspiration from the world's top business minds,
0:50.1	authors, influencers, and from Farnoose yourself.
0:54.1	Looking for ways to save on gas or double your double coupons? Sorry. authors, influencers, and from Farnoose yourself.
0:57.6	Looking for ways to save on gas or double your double coupons?
0:59.8	Sorry, you're in the wrong place.
1:02.9	Seeking profound ways to live a richer, happier life.
1:04.7	Welcome to So Money.
1:13.0	When we are certain, when we think we know exactly who someone is based on who they voted for in the last election,
1:18.7	or we think we know exactly when the market is going to crash, or exactly how the relationship is going to end,
1:26.4	it closes our mind. But when we're able to develop enough tolerance for uncertainty to stay in this not knowing place, It allows us to open our mind to the possibilities
1:29.1	that may emerge. Welcome to So Money, everybody. Raise your hand if you're feeling a little
1:33.9	uncertain right now about work, your investments, the economy, all of your life's decisions. Yeah,
1:40.6	same. My guest today says we are living through what the World Health Organization calls
	...

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