You know what I want? The answer is, I truly don't know what I

In the pursuit of one's calling, there often arises a moment of uncertainty, where the direction ahead is unclear and the path seems obscured by the very desires that fuel our ambitions. Michael J. Fox, a man whose career has spanned both the comedic and dramatic realms, once expressed this profound truth: "You know what I want? The answer is, I truly don't know what I want. I don't want to do a television series. I want to do dramas as well as comedies, but I have no idea what kind or in what order. Just give me the chance at them." In these words, Fox speaks not only of his professional desires but of the universal human experience—the yearning to explore the vast spectrum of possibility, the quest to engage with life’s many facets without being confined to a single role or expectation.

This sentiment speaks deeply to the human spirit, which is often pulled in many directions by uncertainty and ambition. The great philosophers of the ancient world, such as Socrates, often explored the nature of desire and the pursuit of knowledge. Socrates did not claim to know all the answers, but he found wisdom in the acknowledgment of his ignorance. In a similar vein, Fox’s words echo the wisdom of the unknown, the openness to possibilities that have yet to unfold. Like Socrates, Fox is not bound by the narrow constraints of a single desire, but embraces the fullness of his potential, asking only for the chance to explore what lies ahead, trusting that the journey itself will reveal the purpose.

The life of Leonardo da Vinci, that great polymath of the Renaissance, mirrors this same spirit of unbounded curiosity. Da Vinci, much like Fox, was not content to limit himself to one field of study. His mind sought to explore, to understand not just art, but science, engineering, and anatomy. In his notebooks, he expressed a desire to learn from every corner of life and to combine his vast knowledge into something greater than the sum of its parts. Da Vinci did not have a clear vision of what his life’s work would look like, but he trusted in the process of exploration and believed that by following his curiosity, he would discover something extraordinary. Like Fox, who seeks not one path but many, Da Vinci embraced the uncertainty of his desires and allowed them to guide him toward greatness.

In the world of art and performance, it is the greatest individuals who embrace the multiplicity of their creative impulses, allowing themselves the freedom to switch between roles, genres, and expressions. The great playwright William Shakespeare, who mastered both tragedy and comedy, often explored the depth of the human experience through a vast range of characters and situations. Shakespeare’s ability to transition from the tragic to the comic, from the serious to the light-hearted, is a testament to his creative range and his willingness to embrace diversity in his work. Shakespeare understood, much like Fox, that to be truly great is to be open to the unknown, to experiment, and to trust in one’s own capacity to adapt and transform.

In modern life, opportunities are often shaped by the choices we make, and the desire to explore different paths is often met with fear or doubt. We are told to find our niche, to become specialized in a single pursuit. But what Fox’s words remind us is that life is not a linear journey—it is a tapestry woven from many threads, some of which we do not yet see. To limit ourselves to only one role, one path, one dream, is to deny the richness that life has to offer. Fox’s desire to experiment with both comedies and dramas, without knowing exactly what form his future will take, is a call to embrace uncertainty as a source of freedom and growth.

The lesson in Fox’s words is one of trust—trusting in the process of exploration and in the serendipity of life’s journey. We do not always need to know the exact destination; what matters is the courage to embark on the journey itself, with all its twists, turns, and unpredictability. Just as Socrates and Da Vinci embraced the unknown in their quests for wisdom, so must we embrace the uncertainty in our own lives, trusting that each experience—whether successful or failure—adds value to the larger picture of who we are becoming.

In your own life, let Fox’s words guide you. When faced with the unknown, do not shy away from it but step into it with curiosity and confidence. Seek not just one path, but many. Allow yourself the freedom to explore, to shift between passions, and to trust that each new step is a valuable part of your journey. Like Fox, you may not know exactly where you are headed, but the freedom to explore every avenue will lead you to a life rich in experience, growth, and the true satisfaction that comes from living without boundaries. Let this be your call to action: embrace uncertainty, for it is in the unknown that the deepest treasures of the human experience often lie.