Those who comment on the financial markets often mention that what is most obvious is uncertainty – those who trade in markets are uncertain about the future. In previous times there has not been firm certainty about the future, yet the current feeling is one of malaise (nod to President Carter).

It’s just not knowing whether markets are going up or down the next day; it’s more than that. It’s not knowing whether life will be as it has been in the past. It’s not just markets; it’s global warming, flooding major cities, population explosion, food and water shortages.

Who is certain that the global warming crisis will be solved in time (Humans do not solve problems that are not imminent)? What will happen when major seaboard cities have become unlivable? Where will the inhabitants have gone? What will happen when the poor in a country are fighting the rich for food and water? What will happen when poor undeveloped countries are “fighting” rich, developed countries for food and water?

It’s too late for contraception to head off the population explosion. The effects may be resolved by a nuclear war or the outbreak of a killer virus.

The people who trade in financial markets have these things in the backs of their minds. The man in the street on streets around the world have these things in the backs of their minds as they distrust their governments and other institutions to improve their lives. Even the Pope senses his church has “gone wrong.” He hopes trying to right its course may save it and its mission.

Our main certainty may be that no one and no movement can save us from possible calamities that will be the solutions to our major concerns.