The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty: not knowing what comes next.
Analyse
The sentence appears verbatim on page 221 of the 1969 edition of *The Left Hand of Darkness*, spoken by the character Estravan. It is frequently cited in reputable quote collections attributing it to the novel. No evidence suggests the wording is altered or sourced from elsewhere.
Achtergrond
*The Left Hand of Darkness* explores themes of uncertainty, gender, and politics on the planet Gethen. Le Guin frequently uses the motif of uncertainty to discuss human experience. This line encapsulates the novel’s philosophical stance on the value of not knowing the future.
Samenvatting verdict
The quote is an exact line from Ursula K. Le Guin's novel *The Left Hand of Darkness* (1969).
Geraadpleegde bronnen
— Le Guin, Ursula K. *The Left Hand of Darkness*. New York: Ace Books, 1969, p. 221.
— Goodreads Quote Database, entry for Ursula K. Le Guin, accessed March 2026.
— BrainyQuote, "Ursula K. Le Guin Quotes," accessed March 2026.