The wisdom of not knowing: Embracing mystery to expand understanding

Keith Haring once said, “If there is no mystery, there is only propaganda.” His words remind us that the absence of mystery stifles creativity and openness, replacing curiosity with rigid certainty.

We often think of learning as acquiring knowledge, but true learning begins with not knowing. The ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus captured this beautifully: “It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows.” When we believe we already have the answer, we unconsciously close ourselves off to new perspectives and possibilities.

Certainty creates a closed loop—a fixed state that resists change. It’s static, leaving no room for growth or discovery. To truly learn, we must practice holding space for the unknown. This means balancing what we know with a willingness to entertain what we don’t yet understand.

Imagine holding what you know in one hand while keeping the other hand open. In one hand, we carry the expertise and insights we’ve gained. In the other, we leave room for the unexpected—for insights that arise from beyond the limits of our own thinking.

Mystery is not a barrier to knowing; it’s the doorway to deeper understanding. When we embrace it, we create space for expansion, innovation, and transformation. In this delicate balance of knowing and not knowing, true learning—and true wisdom—becomes possible.