Figure-It-Out-ness: What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do | David Settle | TEDxThird Ward Salon

Figure-It-Out-ness: What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do | David Settle | TEDxThird Ward Salon

by David Settle

Humanities, Social Sciences & Thought Philosophy & Ethics QDTTopics in philosophyQDTSSocial and political philosophy
🎙 David Settle 👥 44.6M 📅 September 4, 2026 ⏱ 11 min 👁 26 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-09-04
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

figure-it-out-nessuncertaintyscientific methodresilienceaction

Summary

In this TEDx talk, David Settle introduces the concept of ‘Figure-It-Out-ness’ as the ability to navigate uncertainty and solve problems without having all the answers. He shares his personal experience of divorce and identity crisis, which led him to realize that not knowing is acceptable. Settle argues that the scientific method, taught in school, provides a practical framework for life’s challenges: ask questions, research, form a hypothesis, experiment, and observe results. He illustrates this with examples from successful companies like Uber, Amazon, and Google, which started with simple problems and iterated their way to success. The talk emphasizes that clarity comes from action, not before it, and encourages the audience to embrace ‘I don’t know’ as a starting point for innovation and growth. Settle’s message is motivational, blending personal stories with a call to treat life as an experiment rather than a test to be feared.

146 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The talk’s value lies in its motivational and practical reframing of uncertainty as an opportunity for growth. The argument is built on a clear analogy between the scientific method and everyday problem-solving, making it accessible and actionable. However, the argumentation is largely anecdotal, relying on personal stories and well-known corporate success narratives without providing empirical evidence or addressing potential counterexamples. The speaker’s charisma and storytelling are effective, but the logical rigor is limited, as the connection between the scientific method and life decisions is metaphorical rather than strictly demonstrated.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The talk lacks formal scientific rigor, as it does not cite specific studies or data. The examples of Uber, Amazon, and Google are presented as facts but are not sourced, and their simplification may overlook complexities. The title accurately reflects the content, which is a personal and motivational perspective rather than a scientific analysis. The speaker’s background as an entrepreneur and educator lends some credibility, but the absence of verifiable sources weakens the overall reliability. No comments were provided for analysis.

185 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the core concept presented: the skill of 'figure-it-out-ness' as a response to uncertainty. The content directly addresses what to do when you don't know what to do.

Quality & Reliability

6/10

The talk is a personal and motivational narrative, not a scientific study. It relies on anecdotal evidence and well-known company stories (Uber, Amazon, Google) without providing verifiable sources. The scientific method is referenced but simplified and applied metaphorically. The speaker's credibility is based on his entrepreneurial and educational background, but no external validation is provided.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

  • TEDx Program — The talk was given at a TEDx event, and this link provides information about the TEDx program.

Concurring Sources

  • Scientific method — The talk's framework is directly based on the scientific method, which is a well-established approach to problem-solving.

Dissenting Sources

  • Uber's history — The talk simplifies Uber's origin story; the actual history involves more complex factors than just a simple problem of needing a taxi.

Contribution & Novelties

The talk’s original contribution is the popularization of the term ‘Figure-It-Out-ness’ as a mindset for embracing uncertainty. It creatively repurposes the scientific method as a life skill, making it relatable to a general audience. The emphasis on ‘starting anyway’ and learning through action is a valuable motivational message.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Scientific method — Provides a detailed overview of the scientific method, which is central to the talk’s framework.
  • Growth mindset — Carol Dweck’s concept of growth mindset is closely related to the idea of embracing challenges and learning from failure.
  • Effectuation — A theory of entrepreneurship that aligns with the talk’s emphasis on starting with available means and iterating.

112 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows moderate scores across all dimensions, with a slightly higher emphasis on information quality and reliability compared to quantity and technical depth. This reflects a talk that is engaging and credible on a personal level but lacks rigorous, data-driven content.

Reliability 5/10