I can't predict the future, nor will I. I'm not a fortune teller.

In the words of Shawn Crahan, we are confronted with a profound truth about the limitations of human knowledge and the folly of trying to foresee the future. Crahan’s admission that he is not a fortune teller reflects a wisdom that has been passed down through the ages: that the future is an unknowable mystery, and to claim to predict it is an act of hubris. The future, like the winds that guide a ship on an uncharted sea, cannot be fully understood or controlled. This is a reminder that we, as individuals and as societies, are constantly moving forward without complete understanding of what lies ahead. To live in the present and embrace the unknown is not only wise but necessary for growth and resilience.

The ancient philosophers were acutely aware of the limitations of human foresight. Socrates, in his famous statement, “I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing,” acknowledged that the wisdom of a man lies in his acceptance of his ignorance. The great philosophers were not concerned with predicting the future, but with understanding the present, questioning the nature of existence, and grappling with the deeper mysteries of life. They recognized that to claim to know the future was to ignore the complexity of life and the forces that shape it. In this way, Crahan’s words echo that ancient wisdom, reminding us that humility and acceptance of the unknown are virtues that lead to true wisdom.

Consider the example of Alexander the Great, whose vision of empire drove him to conquer much of the known world. Yet, for all his victories and achievements, Alexander could not have predicted the fall of his empire after his death. Despite his ambition and strategic brilliance, the future was beyond his control. His life serves as a reminder that, no matter how powerful we may become, we cannot predict or control the twists and turns of fate. What Alexander’s story teaches us is that even the most calculated plans can be undone by forces we cannot foresee, and the future remains an ever-unfolding mystery.

In the same way, Shakespeare’s portrayal of the tragic hero Macbeth offers a timeless meditation on the dangers of trying to control or predict the future. In the play, Macbeth receives prophecies from the witches that he interprets as a roadmap to power. His obsession with the future leads him down a path of destruction, for he tries to manipulate fate rather than allowing it to unfold naturally. Macbeth’s story is a powerful warning: the future is not something to be controlled or manipulated through desire or fear. It is something that must be faced with acceptance and courage, understanding that we cannot know every outcome.

Crahan’s refusal to predict the future is a call to live fully in the present. It is a reminder that our energy is better spent not on trying to guess what will happen, but on focusing on what is within our control today. The ancients understood that the present moment was the only reality in which we could truly act. Confucius taught that we must “take care in the present moment,” for the future will unfold naturally from the choices we make now. By being mindful of the present, we lay a strong foundation for the future, even if we cannot fully see what it holds.

The lesson here is one of acceptance and focus. Rather than chasing after an imagined future, we should direct our efforts to what we can control today. By embracing the uncertainty of the future and living in the moment, we free ourselves from the tyranny of prediction and open ourselves to the endless possibilities that the present holds. Crahan’s words remind us that, while we can’t know what lies ahead, we can make meaningful decisions now that will shape our path. Resilience comes not from knowing the future but from adapting to the present and facing whatever comes with strength and clarity.

In practical terms, this means acting with intention today rather than succumbing to the fear of the unknown. When faced with uncertainty, we must focus on what we can control—our actions, our responses, and our mindset. Just as the ancients embraced the mystery of life, we must learn to accept the unknown with open hearts, knowing that the future will reveal itself in time. Let us not waste our energy chasing the shadows of what may come, but instead, invest it in creating a life of purpose and meaning here and now. Through this, we not only prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead but also find fulfillment in the journey itself.