In "A Tale for the Time Being," the narrator reflects on a conversation with an older character, Jiko, about the concept of not-knowing. This idea suggests that uncertainty can lead to a deeper intimacy with life and existence. The narrator struggles with the discomfort of uncertainty, preferring to have firm knowledge, yet realizes that embracing not-knowing can prevent the closure of possibilities. This tension between the desire for certainty and the potential richness of uncertainty is central to the narrator's thoughts.

The contemplation reveals that not-knowing might be essential for keeping various paths and opportunities alive. Instead of limiting oneself to fixed ideas, embracing uncertainty invites a range of experiences and perspectives. The narrator's reflections on this theme emphasize the value of remaining open to the unknown, suggesting that life's richness may stem from uncertainty rather than from definitive answers.