"La seule chose que nous savons sur l'avenir est qu'il sera différent"

Life is unpredictable and constantly changing. This idea revolves around the uncertainty of the future and the guarantee that it won't be the same as the present. The essence here is that no matter how much we plan, predict, or prepare, the future will bring changes—some expected and others a total surprise. It's a reminder that the only certainty is change itself.

To see why this perspective is valuable, let’s jump back to the mid-20th century, when Alan Kay, a computer scientist, famously talked about the unpredictability of the future in the context of technological innovation. Picture the 1970s: computers were massive, clunky machines, and the idea of personal computers seemed far-fetched. Yet, Kay envisioned a future where computers could be small, portable, and ubiquitous—pioneering thoughts that led to the creation of laptops and tablets. This leap happened because visionaries accepted that the future would be different and embraced that uncertainty.

Now, let’s bring this to a more personal level. Imagine you’re fresh out of college, degree in hand, entering the workforce. You’ve got plans—maybe a five-year roadmap. But then, boom! A global pandemic hits, reshaping economies, job markets, and personal priorities. Your dream job in an office suddenly becomes a remote position. Or perhaps you discover a passion for something completely unexpected, like developing apps or baking artisan bread, which steers your career in a new direction. This real-life curveball exemplifies the idea that the future won’t adhere to our scripts.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Embrace flexibility. Instead of sticking rigidly to a single plan, be open to new opportunities and shifts. Think about it—sometimes, the best experiences come from the paths we didn’t intend to take. Develop skills that are adaptable. For example, learning how to think critically and solve problems will serve you well in any job, any industry. Also, cultivate resilience. The ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to new situations is invaluable.

Imagine you’re in a coffee shop with a close friend, discussing life plans. Your friend, let’s call her Jane, is worried about the future. She’s got everything mapped out: marriage by 28, kids by 30, career milestones by 35. You remind her of this very idea—that the future will be different, and that’s okay. Share a story about how your first job out of college wasn't even in your current field. You started in marketing but now thrive in software development. That initial plan? It got you started, but your adaptability and openness to change brought you true fulfillment.

In essence, this quote is about living with the understanding that change is the only constant. It’s not a scary thing—it’s liberating. It means we can pivot, innovate, and grow in ways we hadn’t even dreamed of. So, when you think about the future, don't worry about predicting every twist and turn. Instead, get excited about the endless possibilities that change brings. After all, the adventure lies in the unknown.