Instincts, and a few Boulders
This week’s book was Factfulness written by Hans Rosling. It was an unusual read and I enjoyed it. The author puts forth ten instincts that we as human beings tend to hold as true problems in the world. Each instinct is dramatic and negative. Then he offers factual solutions for these problems. Thus the title of the book, Factfulness. In the remaining portion of the blog I will briefly touch on three of the instincts.
The Negativity Instinct
We hear all the time that the world is getting worse. Crime is getting worse for example. This instinct is our tendency to notice the bad things that are happening around us more than we notice the good things. [1] The author points out that it is easy to be aware of the bad things happening. However, if you look at the statistics for the really bad things over the years, they have improved, not gotten worse. Things such as extreme poverty, life expectancy, slavery, water availability, literacy, right to vote, etc. have all improved. [2] We just don’t hear as much about the good things, sadly.
When I think about the terrible year we have had at school with the suicides and suicide attempts, it is difficult not to think that things are getting worse. I know in reality they are not, that it just seems that way right now. I believe that our children and youth face things because of the society that we live in today that we never faced when we were younger, and that makes it more challenging for them. They need to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.
The Fear Instinct
Fear distorts what we see of the world. [3] People are afraid of all the usual things: heights, snakes, spiders, small spaces. [4] If you asked for a longer list, you’d get even more common fears. The thing is, the fears that kept our ancestors alive years ago are no longer so vital for life and death today as they were then. [5] The chances of dying in a natural disaster today are much less than they were in the 1930s for example. [6] Yet some people are still just as terrified of them. We must recognize when fear gets our attention and remember to calculate the risks. [7]
Isaiah 41:10 instructs us about fear… “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
I have been quoting this verse a lot lately when I’ve found myself fearful, and it’s helped.
The Size Instinct
This is when we tend to get things out of proportion. [11] We do it naturally as humans. [12] We either make something small out to be smaller, or something larger, much larger. This instinct makes me think of my brother, Tom. He is a natural born fisherman. He can’t help but exaggerate when he goes fishing – or any other time for that matter! I love to hear him tell a story because I just know there will be some stretching of facts going on. A great example of this was a time I happened to see him after a long day of working outside on a job. He had gravel bits in his hair. I asked him what had happened. He explained with much dramatic flair that BOULDERS had fallen on his head that day. (hahaha!)
Conclusion
These three instincts are but a few of the ten instincts the author examined in his book, Factfulness. It is a terrific read, and I recommend it.
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[1] Hans Rosling, Ola Rosling, and Anna Rosling Rönnlund. 2020. Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong about the World – and Why Things Are Better than You Think. First Flatiron Books paperback edition. New York: Flatiron Books, 48.
[2] Ibid, p.60-61.
[3] Ibid, p.107.
[4] Ibid, p.105.
[5] Ibid, p.110.
[6] Ibid, p.110.
[7] Ibid, p.123.
[11] Ibid, p.128.
[12] Ibid, p.128.
About the Author
Tonette Kellett
Missionary, teacher, Bible student, traveler ... Having lived in Kenya and Korea, I now live in Mississippi and work with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.8 responses to “Instincts, and a few Boulders”
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Tonette,
I love how you brought up fishing in your post. We all have our big fish story don’t we. I have even found myself combining some of these instincts for a compounded response to situation. Letting my fear consume me because of the size of the fish. Thank you for your post and your wisdom!
Sara,
Thank you for your post. I think we all get consumed by our fears from time to time. It’s human nature. Praying you have a restful summer my friend!
Tonette, I like how you summarized those three of Rosling’s instincts and the way you personalized them. I grieve with you over the deaths and attempts of the children at your school. It breaks my heart. It is so hard to see beyond what we encounter every day. I stopped watching the news years ago because I was so tired of one negative story after another. I am trying to learn from Rosling and change the way I view the world. How can you use this book to help the children at your school and help them see that things are not as bad as it appears? (Not to take the place of counseling, therapy, medication, or other interventions)
On a side note, after a decade of infusions for migraines and hundreds of pokes, I am no longer afraid of needles – I even have offered to be a practice patient for student nurses – but I am still terrified of getting stung by a bee! Go figure.
Becca,
I think this book points out that our fears are sometimes larger than life. For my students, I think the things they deal with are real struggles – abuse, neglect, drugs and alcoholism. They feel defeated and don’t know where to turn. Jesus is the answer. I don’t know that this book offers that for them, honestly. Thank you for the question. I am praying for you and your migraines. I hope the summer brings you much rest and relaxation in preparation for our final year.
Hi Tonette
It has been a difficult year. I’m grateful that you have been a positive and steady presence for the students, parents and community. I know they are in a much better place because God has been at work through you.
I’m curious how you keep from being pulled into the negative instinct when you are dealing with very difficult things like you have this year?
Chad,
Sometimes I do get down a little. But Christ is a sustaining force in my life. He lifts me up over and over again, thankfully. I pray that for every one of my students.
Great post Tonette,
I also touched on the fear instinct in my blog. I agree with with your remarks, It is a great read indeed. I will come back and do some more reading once I find some more time.
What was the instinct that you found most interesting? Does any of the instincts apply in your life.