Bookstrapping: Uncertainty - how to change your biggest fear into your greatest power by Arie Kruglanski

In the book Kruglanski writes about hope during uncertain times and empathy as a powerful ingredient of human connection. He also draws an unmissable connection between alcohol consumption and impulsive actions. Rating: 3.5

By  Reeta Ramamurthy GuptaJun 10, 2023 1:33 PM
Bookstrapping: Uncertainty - how to change your biggest fear into your greatest power by Arie Kruglanski
The author makes a case that securely attached adults are more comfortable with certainty. Hence, they explore more freely and are more adventurous. On the other hand, adults with insecure relationships tend to find solace on stereotypes and prejudices. (Representative Image: Amazon)

All things finite and fleeting

Having perspective requires hard work. This was my learning from the book by Arie Kruglanski; a worldwide expert and authority on human motivation. Titled 'uncertain-how to turn your biggest fear into your greatest power,' the book is written in a very indulgent and supportive tone.

The book is divided into three parts ; escaping uncertainty, closure's consequences and embracing uncertainty. Kruglanski packs a punch with pithy anecdotes, psychological concepts and data embedded in just the right amount within them.

Here are our five Bookstrapping insights:

1. What can support us during moments of uncertainty? Religion? Maybe; but the author clarifies that religious faith is not a substitute for responsible decision-making.

2. Can we keep hope alive during uncertainty? Victor Frankl managed to do so, during his three years in Nazi concentration camps. How did he find meaning in adversity?

3. The author makes a case that securely attached adults are more comfortable with certainty. Hence, they explore more freely and are more adventurous. On the other hand, adults with insecure relationships tend to find solace on stereotypes and prejudices.

4. The author makes an excellent connection between alcohol consumption and impulsive actions. People find it difficult to process information that is different from what they 'froze' upon in their intoxicated state.

5. Empathy is a crucial ingredient of the human connection. Lack of it can result in an inability to appreciate another person's view and a vilification of them as wrong or unintelligent.

The author hits a home run when he cites findings that experienced meditators don't have to exercise deliberate control over their feelings! It's effortless. The question really is, can YOU cope with the inherent impermanence of all things?

Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta is a columnist and bestselling biographer. She is credited with the internationally acclaimed Red Dot Experiment, a decadal six-nation study on how ‘culture impacts communication.’ On instagram @officialReetaGupta

First Published on Jun 10, 2023 9:48 AM

More from Storyboard18

Brand Makers

FirstCry subsidiary Globalbees faces insolvency petition over ₹65 crore claim

FirstCry subsidiary Globalbees faces insolvency petition over ₹65 crore claim

Brand Makers

Ads redefining OTT viewership | Cannes Lions 2025 winners | Havas unveils Converged.AI

Ads redefining OTT viewership | Cannes Lions 2025 winners | Havas unveils Converged.AI

Brand Makers

Honasa Consumer appoints Yatish Bhargava as Chief Business Officer

Honasa Consumer appoints Yatish Bhargava as Chief Business Officer

Brand Makers

Senior leadership shakeup in WPP Media under new APMEA model; Prasanth Kumar to lead India, Sri Lanka

Senior leadership shakeup in WPP Media under new APMEA model; Prasanth Kumar to lead India, Sri Lanka

Brand Makers

Show of Unity: Top leaders of Omnicom, Publicis, IPG, Havas and WPP together at Cannes Lions 2025

Show of Unity: Top leaders of Omnicom, Publicis, IPG, Havas and WPP together at Cannes Lions 2025

Brand Makers

Shubhranshu Singh joins the inaugural board of the Effie LIONS Foundation

Shubhranshu Singh joins the inaugural board of the Effie LIONS Foundation

Brand Makers

Bata Group appoints Panos Mytaros as its new Global CEO

Bata Group appoints Panos Mytaros as its new Global CEO

Brand Makers

Gaurav Jain steps down as CBO of ShareChat & Moj

Gaurav Jain steps down as CBO of ShareChat & Moj