Prophesy is a good line of business, but it is full of risks.

Opening Scene

The room is softly lit by the warm glow of a table lamp, casting shadows on the walls as the evening sets in. Outside, the city is quieting down, the usual noise fading into the calm of night. Jack sits at the table, his notebook open but his focus elsewhere, clearly deep in thought. Jeeny stands near the window, gazing out at the view below, her mind clearly wandering. The atmosphere feels reflective, as though they’re about to engage in a deeper conversation about prediction, risk, and the uncertainties of life.

Host: After a moment of silence, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice calm but with a hint of curiosity, breaking the quiet.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Mark Twain that made me laugh, but it also made me think. He said, ‘Prophesy is a good line of business, but it is full of risks.’ It’s such an interesting way to look at prediction, especially in the context of life or even business. What do you think about that? The idea that predicting the future might seem like a lucrative venture, but it comes with so many uncertainties and potential downfalls?”

Jack: “I love that quote. Twain’s humor is sharp, and here, I think he’s pointing out something very true about the uncertainty of making predictions. It’s so tempting to think that we can foresee what’s coming, whether it’s in life, business, or any other aspect, but the reality is that predicting the future is almost always a gamble. You might be right sometimes, but more often than not, you’re going to miss the mark, and that comes with its own set of consequences. The risk, in that sense, makes it a much trickier business than most people realize.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And I think that’s where the illusion of control comes into play. People often think they can predict or control outcomes, especially when it comes to their lives or careers, but the reality is that the future is unpredictable. Every decision we make now could affect the outcome in unexpected ways. Prophesy might sound like a great idea, but it’s filled with so many variables and unknowns that it’s almost bound to fail at some point.”

Jack: “Right. And yet, people still love to make predictions, don’t they? It’s part of our human nature — we want to feel like we have control, like we know what’s coming next. But when we rely too heavily on these predictions, or when we let ourselves get wrapped up in what we think will happen, we set ourselves up for disappointment. It’s a gamble. The risk isn’t just in being wrong; the risk is in believing too much in something uncertain and letting it influence your choices.”

Host: The conversation deepens, as both reflect on the nature of predictions and how often they fail to align with reality. Jack sets his notebook down, his expression thoughtful, while Jeeny moves closer, sitting down across from him, her voice steady as she continues.

Jeeny: “And yet, the desire for certainty doesn’t just disappear. We still want to know what’s going to happen. We rely on experts, we look at trends, and we make decisions based on predictions. But those predictions often come with a false sense of security. There’s always the potential for something to go off course. The unexpected will always have the power to throw us off balance, no matter how much we prepare. I think Twain was hinting at the inherent risks in putting too much faith in predictions, especially when we’re talking about something as unpredictable as the future.”

Jack: “Right. And I think it’s also a reminder that life, in general, is about managing risks. We make decisions based on what we know, but we also have to accept that there’s always going to be an element of uncertainty. When we try to control that uncertainty too much, we lose sight of what’s really important. We forget that part of life’s beauty is in its unpredictability. It’s the unexpected twists that keep things interesting and that force us to grow.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And sometimes, those risks, those unknowns, are what drive innovation and creativity. If we knew everything in advance, we’d probably miss out on a lot of new opportunities, because we’d be too focused on the predictions. It’s when we embrace uncertainty and take chances that we often discover something better than we could have imagined. So, while prophecy might come with risks, it’s the acceptance of those risks that ultimately leads to progress.”

Jack: “That’s a good point. It’s about finding a balance — acknowledging the risks and uncertainties, but also embracing them as part of the journey. The future is always a mystery, and that’s both daunting and exciting. Predicting it might be a good business, but living it, accepting the unknown, is what makes life interesting.”

Host: The room grows quieter, as though the weight of their reflections has settled between them. Outside, the world continues, but inside, Jack and Jeeny share a realization: life, business, and the future are filled with risks and uncertainties. While we can make predictions and plans, we can never fully control what will happen. It’s the acceptance of that uncertainty, and the courage to take risks, that truly shape our journey.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that while predictions can be tempting, we have to remember that the future is never fully within our control. It’s not about having all the answers, but about embracing the unknowns and finding our way through them.”

Jack: “Exactly. Life is full of uncertainties, and we can’t always predict what will happen. But it’s that uncertainty that makes things worth living for. It’s about balancing the risks with the rewards and finding comfort in the unknown.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation wraps up with a quiet understanding. Predictions and prophecies may seem like a way to control the future, but the reality is that life is filled with risks and surprises. It’s the ability to navigate uncertainty, to embrace the unknown, and to take chances that ultimately lead to the most fulfilling experiences. The future may be full of risks, but it’s also full of possibilities.