Age Quote by Mary Catherine Bateson
![“After all, most of us have lived lives based on commitments made without any way of knowing where they would lead. The uncertainty is an essential element in commitment, the acceptance of consequences an essential element in fidelity. [p. 80]” quote by Mary Catherine Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3a3/mary-catherine-bateson-11582_age_after-all-most-of-us-have-lived-lives-ba_709103.jpg)
““After all, most of us have lived lives based on commitments made without any way of knowing where they would lead. The uncertainty is an essential element in commitment, the acceptance of consequences an essential element in fidelity. [p. 80]””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Conversation: How Children and Parents Talk About Sex, Mary Catherine Bateson, 1995
Commitments are made without knowing outcomes, and embracing uncertainty is key to true fidelity.
In simple terms: We commit without knowing the future, and that uncertainty is part of loyalty.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty and stay faithful to your choices.
Themes
commitment
uncertainty
fidelity
trust
growth
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career choices
- relationships
- long‑term projects
- personal vows
Key Concepts
existential risk
psychology
ethical decision-making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance risk and loyalty?
- What helps you stay faithful when outcomes are unknown?
A Different Perspective
Uncertainty can cause anxiety and indecision, making commitments feel risky.
![“It's all about being in control of myself as an older woman who lives alone, and it's all about how I am going to do what I have to do to be as strong as I can be and be confident that I can do what I need to do as an older person. [p. 62]” quote by Mary Catherine Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/94e/mary-catherine-bateson-11582_age_it-s-all-about-being-in-control-of-mysel_17830.jpg)
![“The critical question about regret is whether experience led to growth and new learning. Some people seem to keep on making the same mistakes, while others at least make new ones. Regret and remorse can be either paralyzing or inspiring. [p. 199]” quote by Mary Catherine Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/72f/mary-catherine-bateson-11582_critical_the-critical-question-about-regret-is-wh_20978.jpg)
![“We never promised we would stay the same,/But only we would shape our change/From this now single clay. [p. 82]” quote by Mary Catherine Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/011/mary-catherine-bateson-11582_age_we-never-promised-we-would-stay-the-same_209661.jpg)
![“Moving is both liberating and debilitating. Undertaken too late, it is a very stressful process, one that sometimes seems to catapult people into frail old age, and undertaken too soon, it may preempt other possibilities. [p. 38]” quote by Mary Catherine Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d68/mary-catherine-bateson-11582_age_moving-is-both-liberating-and-debilitati_277245.jpg)
