Out of Nothing

Since mathematician and investor Nassim Nicholas Taleb popularized the concept of "black swans," we have become more aware of the profound impact of unforeseen events. History is replete with such surprises—be it the fall of the Berlin Wall, the financial crisis, Brexit, or the election of Donald Trump. Yet, we need not limit our focus to monumental events; everyday life is filled with instances where good or bad surprises arise unexpectedly: a car accident, an unexpected romance, the loss of a loved one, a flight cancellation, or a chance encounter with an old friend. Some of these surprises are delightful, others distressing. Regardless, they occur without warning and are largely beyond our control.

Acknowledging and embracing the reality of nothing can be transformative for individuals, organizations, or even societies. Such realizations can act as catalysts for change. In business, we often attempt to manage these unforeseen events through risk assessment strategies, yet risk management is inherently reactive, grounded in past experiences. True uncertainty stems from unexpected occurrences, and leveraging events that arise from nothing can inform broader political doctrines, as illustrated by Naomi Klein in The Shock Doctrine or the German transition away from nuclear energy following the Fukushima disaster.

The emotional response to sudden events significantly shapes their impact. Do we perceive them as punitive, or do we view them as opportunities? Are we immobilized by trauma, or do we seek support to process and move forward? Are we able to fully embrace joy, or do we harbor doubts about our worthiness?

There are no proactive measures to counter such instances of nothing. These occurrences are not something we can seek, predict, or plan for—they simply manifest in our lives.

Things That Did Not Happen

Regardless of our age, we all carry experiences from our past. Some events unfolded unexpectedly, while many others followed predictable patterns. Yet, there exists a third category: the things that did not occur—the absences in our lives. Chinese Taoism, through the teachings of Laozi in the Tao Te Ching, emphasizes this principle:

Thirty spokes at the single hub;

It is the empty space which makes the wheel useful.

Mold clay to form a bowl;

It is the empty space which makes the bowl useful.

Cut out windows and doors;

It is the empty space which makes the room useful.

What is absent, or what does not exist, contributes to the form and function of what is present. Light cannot exist without darkness; something cannot exist without nothing. Isn't it remarkable that countless things did not happen to us, far exceeding the finite events we can count as having occurred?

Both positive and negative scenarios are part of this realm of non-occurrence. We may not have won the lottery, but we also avoided contracting an illness this year. We did not end up in Denmark, but we also escaped an accident there. We have yet to meet the right partner, and yes, we experienced moments when a loved one did not reciprocate our feelings or when our boss failed to acknowledge our efforts.

Sometimes, the unspoken words and gestures carry more weight than those that are expressed.

We cannot compel the universe to refrain from acting upon us; events arise from an infinite pool of possibilities. Early consultants learn to look beyond binary choices; what if both or multiple options hold truth? Or perhaps neither does? The quest for understanding should persist.

Where to Begin? Look Within!

In discussions surrounding the universe's origins, physicist Lawrence M. Krauss posits that a near-infinite amount of matter can emerge from nothing—a mystery enveloped in dark matter and dark energy. Much of what governs the universe remains hidden in the 96 percent of its essence.

Could the same principle apply to life on Earth, a part of the cosmos? Are we too focused on measuring and manipulating the visible four percent, blind to the myriad energies that surround us? Our narratives, cultures, and institutions have shaped a particular lens through which we view the world.

Perhaps the key lies in listening to the world around us.

Christian mystics sought to connect with the divine through silence and prayer, while Canadian media theorist Marshall McLuhan described the electronic era as the "age of the ear." This may highlight a critical misunderstanding of the digital age. As we inundate one another with texts, videos, and images, perhaps we should prioritize audio—and even more so, silence. Blaise Pascal once remarked that humanity's greatest challenge is our inability to remain alone with ourselves, confronting our inner space, our inner nothingness, and the silence it entails.

Our interconnected world—transformed beyond recognition in the last three decades—will present each of us with an increasing array of unexpected events emerging from nowhere. Some will be catastrophic, tragic, and finite. Many leaders in politics and business will continue to weave narratives about technology and markets that promise to shield us from these occurrences. We must question whether these technologies will foster patience, cultivate silence, or nurture serenity. Silence harbors immense potential, aiding us in navigating the unexpected, acknowledging the non-events, and recognizing that all life, possibilities, and experiences originate from what was once nothing. Our journey, if we choose to embark upon it, is to embrace nothingness, allowing it to guide us toward a renewed experience of life in all its complexities and energies.

Nothing could be more beautiful.