Uncertanties and wonderment

27/03/2026 Nilson Lattari

When a child begins to understand the world, like an alien newly arrived, their questions often begin with the word “Why?”, in response to new and different situations they experience. This questioning is a way of waking up the things in the world that seem curious to them. In a way, for these small beings, the world is a playground for discovery.
As we satisfy their curiosity, it is like going back in time, maybe to our own first innocent years when we were taking our first steps too.
The origin of this question, “Why?” often lies in doubt. This doubt should not be seen as insecurity, cowardice, or ignorance in the face of facts, events, or decisions we must make. Doubts are often a way of deciding what is good or bad for us and how to overcome life’s obstacles according to our choices; whether we should follow someone or an ideology, and, mainly, how to avoid idolatry. In a way, doubts are shields against profiteers and so-called wise guys.
It is impossible to know everything, but we must recognise our uncertainty and have the willpower to search for new directions, create new things, and renew our ideas. Doubts are the origin of creativity when we choose to abandon old ideas to follow our own path in life. At that moment, curiosity turns into a choice: whether to open a forbidden door and experience new worlds and life experiences, or to avoid venturing into pointless adventures.
Scientists make a difference when they challenge established theories. Religious people renew their beliefs when opportunists try to manipulate them for personal gain. Adventurers question what they see and pause their journey when faced with clouds, and are sure of what lies within them. Thus, doubts may pause our journey, but they also encourage us to leave our comfort zones.
They stimulate creativity and help us find new ways of doing familiar things. When we doubt, we take a stand against passivity. Rather than stopping us completely, doubt allows us to move forward carefully, as only those who question often do.
Doubting teaches us to segue between uncertainty and wonder. In conclusion, doubting signifies personal growth rather than shyness, because it protects us from manipulation and uncomfortable situations. The worst thing for ambitious people is failing to convince those who question and doubt.
For this reason, doubting is a brave act in the face of a majority that challenges us. When one person in a group doubts, it can spark doubt in others. What’s more, doubt can be a quality of leaders when they question ideas to inspire changes or pause to decide what is the best for the group. Those who doubt think and wonder all the time. On the other hand, those who never doubt may act recklessly and show false courage.
Those who question words do not necessarily wish to fight against them. For them, uncertainty guides reflections. Although no one can predict the future filled with wonder, this sense of wonder carries us to new levels of understanding, prompting us to question truths that have remained frozen in time. Manipulators and profiteers feel powerless in the presence of those who doubt.
Doubting is saying, “I don’t know”, because those who recognise their uncertainties reveal their true humanity.
When we wonder whether we should follow a direction, love regardless of circumstances, fight for a cause, or simply follow what we have been taught, this is not insecurity. Instead, it shows our capacity to respond and our confidence in our instincts. When we question even what we have learned, it becomes significant toward finding new directions in life – and, why not say, towards facing new doubts.