I can't predict the future and I don't have respect for people

"I can't predict the future and I don't have respect for people who try to." These words, spoken by the comedian Jackie Mason, carry within them a deep and powerful truth about the human condition. They speak to the uncertainty of life and the folly of those who seek to control or predict what cannot be known. The future, like the horizon, is always just out of reach, and those who claim to foresee it often overlook the mystery and complexity of existence. Mason’s words challenge the arrogance of certainty and invite us to embrace the humility of the present moment.

In the ancient world, prophecies were revered, but they were also met with a certain caution. The Oracle of Delphi, in ancient Greece, was a figure of great power, yet her words were often cryptic, open to interpretation. Kings and heroes sought her counsel, but none could claim certainty in her visions. To predict the future was to engage in a dangerous game, for fate and the will of the gods were always at play, beyond the reach of human understanding. The ancient Greeks understood that while knowledge of the future may be desired, it was often more prudent to focus on the present, for that is where action could be taken.

Mason’s words serve as a reminder that the future is not a fixed point to be predicted, but a river that flows in many directions. The future is shaped not by the predictions of a few, but by the collective choices of many. And those who seek to control or predict it often miss the richness of the present, where true power lies. There is no clearer example of this than in the story of Cassandra, the daughter of King Priam of Troy. Gifted with the power of prophecy by the god Apollo, Cassandra foresaw the destruction of Troy, but no one would believe her. Despite her knowledge of the future, her inability to change it left her powerless. This ancient tale teaches us that knowledge of the future, without the ability to shape it, is often a burden, not a gift.

As we turn to our own lives, we too must acknowledge the futility of trying to predict what is beyond our reach. There is no certainty in life, and those who claim to possess it are often blinded by their hubris. History is littered with predictions that proved false. The great philosophers of antiquity, like Socrates, cautioned against the pursuit of certainty, urging us to focus instead on what we can control: our own actions, our thoughts, and our virtue. To predict the future is to ignore the present, and to ignore the present is to miss the only moment we truly have.

The wise know that action in the present is more valuable than speculation about what may come. In the story of Alexander the Great, we see the value of focusing on the here and now. Despite the many predictions of his downfall, Alexander pressed forward, shaping his future through decisive action and bravery. His vision of greatness was not bound by predictions of failure but fueled by the courage to move forward, regardless of what others said. His success came not from foreseeing the future, but from living in the present with all his strength and determination.

In truth, life is not a path that can be foretold, but a journey that must be lived with eyes open and heart willing. Courage is not the ability to predict the future, but the ability to walk boldly into the unknown, trusting in the choices we make along the way. It is the small, daily actions that shape the course of our lives, not the grand predictions of what may come. To focus on the present, to live fully in the now, is the only path to true wisdom and freedom.

The lesson here is clear: Do not waste your energy trying to predict the future, for it is a realm beyond your control. Instead, focus on what you can shape—the present. Let your actions today speak louder than any prediction. Embrace the uncertainty of life, for in that uncertainty lies the potential for greatness. The future is unknown, but the present is ours to mold. Walk forward with courage and wisdom, knowing that the only thing truly in your power is how you choose to live in this moment.