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Factfulness
352 pages, 2018
In Factfulness, Professor of International Health and a man who can make data sing, Hans Rosling, together with his two long-time collaborators Anna and Ola, offer a new way to think about the state of the world: that it is in a much better place than we might expect.
In clear prose and with humor, Rosling offers us three key principles on how to live more thoughtfully: 1) the Law of Cause and Effect; 2) only ten instincts shape our lives; and 3) an optimistic vision of the future based on facts.
In Factfulness, Hans Rosling encourages us to take a look at the world through the lens of data. He argues that our perceptions are often skewed by biases and misconceptions. By using data, we can see the world as it truly is, not as we think it is.
Rosling emphasizes the importance of fact-based thinking. He suggests that we should always check our facts before forming opinions. This approach can help us make better decisions and avoid unnecessary panic.
One of the key messages in Factfulness is that the world is actually getting better, not worse. Rosling uses data to show that many aspects of global health, wealth, and education have improved over time. So, don't let negative news headlines get you down, dig into the data instead.
Rosling warns us about the 'Gap Instinct' - the tendency to divide things into two distinct and often conflicting groups. He suggests that this instinct can lead to oversimplified views of the world. Instead, we should explore the middle ground and see the world in a more nuanced way.
In Factfulness, Rosling also highlights the power of curiosity and humility. He believes that being open to new information and willing to admit when we're wrong can lead to a better understanding of the world. So, keep asking questions and stay humble.
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One of the most important books I've ever read—an indispensable guide to thinking clearly about the world.
Bill Gates - Microsoft Co-founderA hopeful book about the potential for human progress when we work off facts rather than our inherent biases.
Barack Obama - 44th U.S. PresidentFactfulness is a breakthrough in the way we can approach global facts and our understanding of the world.
Melinda Gates - PhilanthropistFactfulness...has a way of changing your entire perspective on the world.
Steven Pinker - Psychologist, AuthorThree minutes with Hans Rosling will change your mind about the world. Imagine what could happen if you read his book.
Jordan Ellenberg - Mathematician, Author
