The Power of the Familiar

How “known knowns” provide comfort and stability. Examines the role of routine and established knowledge in our daily lives

The Power of the Familiar

Introduction

“Known knowns” are the certainties that provide us with a sense of comfort and stability in a complex and often unpredictable world. These certainties, which include established knowledge, routines, and familiar experiences, form the bedrock of our daily lives. They give us the confidence to navigate the world, make decisions, and interact with others. In this chapter, we will explore the psychological and practical significance of “known knowns” in our lives, examining how they contribute to our well-being and how they can also limit our growth and adaptability.

The Comfort of Certainty

Certainty is a powerful force in human life. It provides us with a sense of control over our environment, reduces anxiety, and allows us to focus our mental energy on more complex tasks. The psychological comfort of certainty is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. As early humans, our survival depended on our ability to predict and respond to environmental threats. Those who could identify patterns, recognize familiar dangers, and rely on established…