MOTHER'S DAY SPECIALS! SHOW ME MORE

Close Notification

Your cart does not contain any items

Embracing Uncertainty

How writers, musicians and artists thrive in an unpredictable world

Margaret Heffernan (University of Bath, School of Management)

$26.95

Paperback

Not in-store but you can order this
How long will it take?

QTY:

English
Policy Press
25 March 2025
So many people hate and fear uncertainty. It causes much stress and anxiety and we often prefer certain bad news to doubt. We turn to technology for certainty, only to find we become dependent, addicted-and more anxious than ever.

But artists live with uncertainty: unsure how their work will develop, whether it will succeed or, if it does, why. Yet they have agency and independence, taking risks and running towards what they don't know.

It has never been more necessary for us to become creative actors in our own future. So what is it about the way that artists live and work that gives them such great capacity not just to endure uncertainty but to use it so productively?

Margaret Heffernan argues for the vital integration of art into all aspects of our lives and for artists to guide us using their stamina, independence and endurance.
By:  
Imprint:   Policy Press
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 216mm,  Width: 140mm, 
ISBN:   9781447372677
ISBN 10:   1447372670
Pages:   214
Publication Date:  
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  General/trade ,  Undergraduate ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Margaret Heffernan worked for 13 years as a radio and television drama and documentary producer. She then spent eight years in the US running media technology companies and was named one of the Internet's Top 100 by Silicon Alley Reporter and one of the Top 100 Media Executives by The Hollywood Reporter. She is the author of six books and her TED talks have been seen by over 15 million people. She is a frequent broadcaster on BBC Radio 4 and the author of many plays and programmes. In 2023, she was inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame in recognition of the impact of her work. She is a Professor of Practice at the University of Bath and mentors CEOs and senior executives of major global organizations. She chairs the board of DACS and is a parish councillor. www.mheffernan.com

Reviews for Embracing Uncertainty: How writers, musicians and artists thrive in an unpredictable world

“A call to creativity, written as a response to the deadening effects of tech-enabled managerialism. This long-overdue book invites readers of whatever stripe to learn from the way artists work, to see uncertainty for what it is: ‘the great propulsive power behind curiosity, learning, discovery and invention – the essence of being human’.” Tracey Camilleri, co-author of The Social Brain “At a time when algorithms promise to extinguish all doubt, Heffernan makes a compelling case for uncertainty as humanity's greatest resource. Her deep examination of how artists work offers an inspired and inspiring model for thriving in an unpredictable world.” Daniel H. Pink, author of The Power of Regret, Drive and Whole New Mind ""A fascinating and thought-provoking read. Margaret Heffernan makes it very clear that, confronted by uncertainty, we need to think like artists. Embracing Uncertainty is current, unique in its approach, solid and necessary.” Penny Hay, Bath Spa University ""There is no more compelling, convincing and articulate guide to what the arts have to teach us about uncertainty than Margaret Heffernan. "" Robert Poynton, author of Do Improvise ""Margaret Heffernan's beautifully expressed insight that the essential quality of artistry is a strength we all need and can develop in ourselves is hugely welcome. A life-enhancing book.” Lucy Parker, co-author of The Activist Leader and Senior Partner at Brunswick Group


See Also