The phrase is making the distinction between perception and reality. The quote implies that people perceive (incorrectly) that our times are uncertain, when in reality this is not so. A cynical phrase in the marketing business is "Perception is more important than reality." This is because people make decisions on their perceptions, however imperfectly these perceptions have been derived from the facts.

"More apparent than real" means something may appear more real or true than is supported by actual valid facts. Like: "Detractors of Global Warming will often argue that the Earth warming up is more apparent than real."

Hello Hailey, Just an addition to the above excellent definitions. "apparent" means 'seeming' as opposed to 'real'. It means it is a false appearance not actual or genuine. In your example it manifests to people on the basis of evidence that our time is uncertain, while their speculations based on those evidences may not be real. Another Example: "Are gender differences more apparent than real?" Meaning do they seem existent as a theoretical speculation based on evidence of actual differences or are they imaginary and invalid? "The differences between both methods may be more apparent than real." It means they seem different ,while in fact they may not be so.