“Factfulness” introduces a stress-reducing habit that encourages individuals to only hold opinions supported by strong, factual evidence.
When confronted with basic questions about global trends, such as poverty rates, population growth reasons, or educational attainment, we consistently provide incorrect answers. Surprisingly, a chimpanzee randomly selecting responses outperforms educators, journalists, Nobel laureates, and even investment bankers.
In this enlightening work, Hans Rosling, a renowned Professor of International Health and TED speaker, along with his longtime collaborators, Anna and Ola, offers a radical explanation for this phenomenon. They identify ten instincts that distort our perspectives, ranging from our tendency to view the world in simplistic divisions (usually as “us versus them”) to our media consumption dominated by fear, and our belief that everything is getting worse.
The root of our problem lies in our unawareness of our own ignorance, and our guesses are often influenced by unconscious and predictable biases.
Contrary to popular belief, the world is in a much better condition than commonly perceived. While acknowledging real concerns, the book emphasizes the importance of adopting a fact-based worldview. By ridding ourselves of constant worries and embracing a reality grounded in verifiable information, we can better direct our attention to the true threats we face.
“Factfulness” not only enlightens readers but also inspires them with captivating anecdotes and poignant stories. It serves as an urgent and essential read, offering a new perspective on the world and empowering individuals to effectively respond to future crises and opportunities.
