Why are we so ignorant?
Hans Rosling’s book Factfulness takes us on a journey to discover how our world works. He believes that individuals are drawn to tales and headlines that focus on the negative when there is far more positive news in the world than we realize. Rosling invites readers to abandon knee-jerk emotions based on fear, shame, or anger in favor of developing a true grasp of the world situation.
“The first thing to think about the future- is to know about the past.” (1) – TED TALK at 5:17
Why are we so ignorant? According to Hans, we can blame most of it on SKEWED INFO. (1) When we combine that with our Intuition it becomes a major weakness. Where do we get the information that’s making us so ignorant?
- Personal Bias – Whether we like it or not, how we are experiencing the world is shaping our thoughts.
- Outdated Facts – In school they are teaching us based on old or outdated information.
- News Bias – Unfortunately the news is selling stories that get a lot of hits. This causes some information to get missed.
“You don’t need to be an expert to understand the world; you just need to be curious and willing to ask questions.” (2)
Factfulness’s core focus is on looking at data-driven facts about the world and then linking them in meaningful ways. This straightforward technique helps us to get true information rather than fabricating stories based on incorrect assumptions or biases. Rosling uses statistics, charts, and other visual aids throughout his work to combine data-driven insights with human nature.
I encourage you to watch this TED Talk in your spare time:
The Best Hans Rosling Talk you have ever seen! (3)
“The world is not getting worse, and it’s not getting better – it’s just changing.” (4)
The main takeaway from this book in my opinion is that global progress has been steady since Rosling began collecting data in the early to mid-nineties. Even after these advancements in global health, life expectancy has decreased due to wars, despite increased access to the internet and computers. Those with higher incomes are living longer lives due to improved healthcare systems.This is concerning for those who do not have access to or cannot afford such services. The challenge we all face today is determining how to ensure that everyone has equal access to these resources. How could that be accomplished though? What would be the first step or partner to make sure that this happens?
“We should reject the idea that we are powerless and instead take responsibility for making the world a slightly better place, together.” (5)
Last, his book provides an eye-opening look at how small changes can have long-term effects on people’s lives in different countries around the world by sharing valuable knowledge with each other with respect and understanding. These are values we should all strive for in order to continue progress of any kind. My only question to you is: What small change would you offer your household to make a lasting effect on you and your family’s life?
(1) Rosling, Hans and Ola. “How Not to Be Ignorant about the World .” Hans and Ola Rosling: How Not to Be Ignorant about the World | TED Talk. Accessed March 27, 2023. https://www.ted.com/talks/hans_and_ola_rosling_how_not_to_be_ignorant_about_the_world.
(2) Rosling, Hans, Ola Rosling, and Rönnlund Anna Rosling. “Chapter 4.” Essay. In Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong about the World – and Why Things Are Better than You Think. New York: Flatiron Books, 2020.
(3) Rosling, Hans. “The Best Stats You’ve Ever Seen.” Hans Rosling: The Best Stats You’ve Ever Seen | TED Talk. Accessed March 27, 2023. https://www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_the_best_stats_you_ve_ever_seen?referrer=playlist-the_best_hans_rosling_talks_yo.
(4) Rosling, Hans, Ola Rosling, and Rönnlund Anna Rosling. “Chapter 9.” Essay. In Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong about the World – and Why Things Are Better than You Think. New York: Flatiron Books, 2020.
(5) Rosling, Hans, Ola Rosling, and Rönnlund Anna Rosling. “Chapter 10.” Essay. In Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong about the World – and Why Things Are Better than You Think. New York: Flatiron Books, 2020.
About the Author
Alana Hayes
Alana is a mother to four beautiful children and wife to a farmer in Texas. She is an avid world traveler with a heart for both the world and education. She is the president of the nonprofit Against the Grain Texas where they focus on providing education to children overseas and at risk adults in the states. To date the nonprofit has given almost $100,000 to individuals around the world. In her free time she loves spending meaningful time with people and reading to further her personal education.3 responses to “Why are we so ignorant?”
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Alana, I love your post! I haven’t read the book yet, but now I’m motivated. I’ll definitely watch the TED Talk. And, I’m mulling over your question at the end: “What small change would you offer your household to make a lasting effect on you and your family’s life?” I’ll let you know next semester!
Alana, what a great question! My husband and I are trying to be more eco-aware in the way we live. He drives an all electric vehicle and I drive a hybrid. When we eventually build, we intend to put in solar panels. As you said, every change, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact. I love this quote: “We should reject the idea that we are powerless and instead take responsibility for making the world a slightly better place, together.” Looking forward to seeing you in Oxford my friend!
Great post. Have you noticed different personalities and biases in your new business venture? With all of those new faces, I’m sure you have a nice mix of fact-based and overdramatic individuals? I hope it is all going well!