The power of not knowing

Creativity thrives in the unknown.

I once heard filmmaker David Lynch interviewed on NPR’s Fresh Air. When host Terry Gross asked him about his process for making movies, Lynch replied that he “doesn’t really know” what he’s doing when he makes a film.

That admission struck me. Here’s David Lynch—one of the most visionary directors of our time—freely admitting that he doesn’t have it all figured out. And yet, his movies captivate audiences, stirring something deep and unnameable within us.

Lynch’s words hold a profound truth about creativity: perhaps the magic lies in not knowing.

When we step into the unknown, we let go of rigid plans and expectations. Instead of following a preordained path, we open ourselves to discovery. Not knowing forces us to stay present, to respond to what arises in the moment, and to trust something beyond our immediate understanding.

In this state of openness, creativity has room to flow. It’s as if, in not knowing, we tap into a greater intelligence—a source of inspiration that our logical minds could never fully grasp.

What if our best work happens when we’re willing to embrace uncertainty? What if not knowing is the very thing that allows us to create something extraordinary?

So the next time you feel unsure or lost in the creative process, remember: not knowing isn’t a flaw. It’s the doorway to brilliance.