10 Reasons We Are Wrong About the World and Why Things Are Better Than You Think

“Progress is not made by accepting what we know. It is made by rejecting what we do not know.“

Factfullness, by Hans Rosling with Anna Rosling Rönnlund and Ola Rosling

“Factfullness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World and Why Things Are Better Than You Think” by Hans Rosling, with Ola Rosling and Anna Rosling Rönnlund is a highly recommended book for anyone interested in gaining a more accurate and fact-based understanding of the world we live in. The book offers a fresh perspective on the misconceptions we hold about global trends and presents data-driven insights to help readers develop a more nuanced view of the world. Rosling uses his extensive experience as a doctor, statistician, and public speaker to present a compelling case for optimism and action. The book is engaging, informative, and accessible to a wide audience, making it a must-read for anyone looking to challenge their assumptions about the state of the world.

The book has had a significant impact on the way people think about global trends and has inspired many to take action to address issues such as poverty, climate change, and inequality. Its message of optimism and the power of data to drive change has resonated with readers around the world, and its popularity has led to the creation of the Gapminder Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting fact-based knowledge about global trends. The book has been praised by many prominent figures, including Bill Gates, who called it “one of the most important books I’ve ever read – an indispensable guide to thinking clearly about the world“. Its impact has been significant, and it continues to inspire individuals and organizations to work towards creating a more just and sustainable world.

Hans Rosling was a Swedish physician and statistician who gained fame for his data-driven presentations that highlighted global trends and misconceptions about the world. In the mid-1990s, he discovered that his advanced medical students had many misconceptions about the world, which led him to test if the same misconceptions persisted in other groups. This resulted in him, along with his son and daughter-in-law, to write this book, which provides insights into how to think more factually. Hans Rosling was also a co-founder and chairman of the Gapminder Foundation, which developed the Trendalyzer software, and he held presentations around the world, including several TED talks. His daughter-in-law, Anna Rosling Rönnlund, is a Swedish designer who co-developed the Trendalyzer software system with her husband, Ola Rosling. After Trendalyzer was sold to Google in 2007, the couple continued work on its development until August 2010.

We highly recommend this book. The key points are meant as a preview and not a replacement for the original work. If you are intrigued after reading this, please consider purchasing the original book to get the full experience as the author intended it to be.

Key Points

1. The world is not divided into two groups: developed and developing countries
   This outdated binary view of the world fails to capture the diversity of countries and their progress. Instead, a more nuanced view of four income levels is proposed, which shows that many countries have moved from low-income to middle-income or even high-income levels in recent years. It is important to recognize this progress and not underestimate the potential for further development in many parts of the world.
   
   • Level 1: The lowest income level, where people live on $2 or less per day.
   • Level 2: The lower-middle income level, where people live on $2-8 per day.
   • Level 3: The upper-middle income level, where people live on $8-32 per day.
   • Level 4: The high-income level, where people live on more than $32 per day.
     
     
2. The majority of the world’s population lives in middle-income countries
   Specifically, more than 75% of the world’s population lives in countries that can be classified as middle-income based on World Bank data. This fact is often overlooked in media coverage and political discourse, which tends to focus on the extreme poverty of some countries. This narrow view of the world can lead to a distorted perception of global progress and contribute to a sense of hopelessness about the state of the world. Most people, however, live in countries that have made significant progress in terms of economic and social development. It is important to acknowledge this progress and build on it, rather than focusing solely on the challenges that remain. By recognizing and celebrating progress, we can inspire continued action and investment in development efforts. Additionally, by understanding the strengths and successes of middle-income countries, we can learn from their experiences and replicate their successes in other regions.
   
   
3. The world is not as divided as we think
   People tend to overestimate the differences between countries and underestimate the similarities. As an example, a survey asked people in different countries to identify their top priorities. Despite cultural and geographic differences, it showed that people in different parts of the world share many common experiences and concerns, such as the desire for access to good health, education, and economic opportunity. This suggests that people around the world share many common values and aspirations, and that there are more similarities than differences between different cultures and societies. Recognizing these shared values can help bridge the gaps between different cultures and promote cooperation.
   
   
4. There has been significant progress in reducing extreme poverty
   Contrary to popular belief, extreme poverty (which is defined as living on less than $2 per day) has declined rapidly in recent decades, thanks in part to global efforts to address this issue.
   
   According to the World Bank, in 1990, almost 36% of the world’s population lived in extreme poverty, but by 2015, this figure had fallen to 10%. This means that more than one billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty in the last 25 years.
   
   This progress has been achieved through a combination of factors, including economic growth, improvements in education and healthcare, and targeted poverty reduction programs. Governments and international organizations have played a critical role in addressing this issue, by providing financial and technical support to low-income countries.
   
   It is important to recognize this progress because it demonstrates that poverty reduction efforts can be successful. By investing in poverty reduction programs, we can continue to make progress and improve the lives of millions of people. Poverty reduction is not just a moral imperative, it is also essential for sustainable economic growth and social stability.
   
   As a result, it is crucial to continue to invest in poverty reduction efforts, particularly in regions where extreme poverty remains high. This can include improving access to education and healthcare, promoting economic growth, and strengthening social safety nets. By doing so, we can build on the progress already made and help ensure a more equitable and prosperous world for all.
   
   
5. Child mortality rates have declined significantly
   Child mortality rate refers to the number of children who die before reaching the age of five per 1 000 live births. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global child mortality rates have decreased by more than half since 1990. In 1990, the global child mortality rate was 93 deaths per 1 000 live births, but by 2019, it had fallen to 38 deaths. This means that millions of children’s lives have been saved over the last few decades.
   
   The decline in child mortality rates can be attributed to several factors, including increased access to healthcare and immunizations, improvements in maternal and child nutrition, and the implementation of effective public health programs. For example, many countries have launched national vaccination campaigns to protect children against diseases like measles, polio, and tuberculosis, which have contributed to the decline in child mortality rates.
   
   It is important to celebrate this progress because it demonstrates that efforts to improve global health can be successful. However, it is also essential to recognize that there is still work to be done to ensure that all children have access to quality healthcare. In many low-income countries, child mortality rates remain unacceptably high, and millions of children still die each year from preventable causes.
   
   Therefore, we need to continue investing in improving access to healthcare and nutrition for children worldwide. This includes increasing funding for maternal and child health programs, expanding access to vaccines and essential medicines, and strengthening health systems in low-income countries. By doing so, we can help ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive.
   
   
6. The world is not overpopulated
   The global population has been increasing steadily for centuries, and in recent decades, concerns have been raised about the negative impact of population growth on the environment. However, the world is not overpopulated and population growth rates are actually slowing down.
   
   In the past, population growth rates were high due to high birth rates and lower life expectancy. However, as health and education levels have improved in many parts of the world, birth rates have decreased, leading to a slowing down of population growth rates. According to the United Nations (UN), the global population growth rate is projected to decline from 1.1% per year in 2020 to 0.5% per year by 2100.
   
   While population growth can put pressure on resources and the environment, it is important to recognize that population growth is not the only factor driving environmental problems. Other factors, such as resource consumption and waste production, also play a significant role in environmental degradation. For example, the overconsumption of resources like fossil fuels and the production of waste, such as plastic pollution, are major environmental concerns that are not directly linked to population growth.
   
   Therefore, addressing environmental problems requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simply addressing population growth. This includes reducing resource consumption, promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns, and implementing policies and regulations to reduce waste and pollution. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and resilient planet for future generations.
   
   
7. The majority of girls worldwide are now in school
   This means that more girls than ever before are receiving an education, which can have a transformative impact on their lives and the lives of those around them.
   
   However, despite this significant progress, there is still work to be done to ensure that all girls have equal access to education. The gender gap in education remains a major challenge, particularly in developing countries, where poverty, cultural norms, and conflict can make it difficult for girls to attend school.
   
   One of the main barriers to girls’ education is poverty. Many families in developing countries cannot afford to send their children to school, and when resources are limited, boys are often given priority. Cultural norms can also be a barrier to girls’ education. In some cultures, girls are expected to stay at home and help with household chores or get married early, while boys are encouraged to pursue education and careers. These norms can be difficult to overcome, but with education and awareness, they can be challenged.
   
   Conflict can also have a devastating impact on girls’ education. In many conflict-affected areas, schools are destroyed, and children are forced to flee their homes. Girls may also be at risk of sexual violence, which can make it difficult for them to attend school.
   
   To address these challenges and ensure that all girls have equal access to education, governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders need to work together. This includes investing in education infrastructure, providing financial support to families who cannot afford to send their children to school, and addressing cultural norms that prevent girls from attending school. It also means working to ensure that schools are safe and that girls are protected from violence and exploitation.
   
   
8. The world is not as dangerous as we think
   People tend to overestimate the risks of certain events, such as terrorism or violent crime, while underestimating the risks of more common events, such as car accidents or preventable diseases. This phenomenon is known as “negativity bias,” which means our minds are naturally more drawn to negative information than positive information.
   
   For example, when we hear about a terrorist attack on the news, it is easy to become fearful and assume that we are all in danger. However, statistically speaking, the likelihood of being killed in a terrorist attack is very low. On the other hand, we may not be as concerned about car accidents, which are much more common and can be just as deadly.
   
   Similarly, people may be more concerned about violent crime than preventable diseases, even though preventable diseases cause far more deaths worldwide than violent crime. This is because we tend to focus on immediate and visible threats rather than long-term and invisible ones.
   
   To combat this bias, we should use data to accurately assess risks and make informed decisions. By understanding the true risks associated with different events, we can make better decisions about how to allocate our resources and prioritize our concerns. This can help us focus on preventing the most significant risks and making the world a safer place for everyone.
   
   
9. There is a global rise of democracy
   While there are still many countries that do not have democratic governments, there has been a global trend towards democracy in recent decades. The number of democratic countries has increased from 31 in 1970 to 97 in 2017, while the number of authoritarian countries has decreased from 88 in 1970 to 23 in 2017. This trend towards democracy is a positive development for several reasons. Firstly, democratic countries tend to be more stable and peaceful than authoritarian countries. Secondly, democratic countries tend to have higher levels of economic development and a better quality of life for their citizens. Finally, democratic countries are more likely to respect human rights and provide greater freedoms to their citizens.
   
   Despite the progress towards democracy, there are still many challenges facing democratic societies. Corruption, political polarization, and the erosion of civil liberties are just some of the issues that can threaten democracy. Thus, it is crucial to continue supporting democracy and human rights around the world. This can be achieved by providing economic and diplomatic support to democratic countries, promoting free and fair elections, and holding governments accountable for their actions. Additionally, it is essential to address the root causes of authoritarianism, such as poverty and inequality, to prevent the rise of authoritarian regimes.
   
   
10. The world can continue to make progress
    Despite the many challenges that remain, the world has made significant progress in recent decades and that there is potential for further progress in the future. Numerous examples of progress are listed, including the fact that extreme poverty has been cut in half since 1990, child mortality rates have fallen by more than half, and life expectancy has increased by more than six years since 1990. It is important to recognize this progress and to continue working towards a better world.
    
    There are still many challenges facing the world, including poverty, disease, and climate change. However, there are several reasons to be optimistic about the future:
    • Technological advances have the potential to solve many of the world’s problems, from renewable energy to improved healthcare.
    • There is a growing awareness of global issues and a willingness to take action to address them.
    • The world is becoming more interconnected and that this interconnectedness can lead to greater cooperation and progress.
      

Key Example Story

In a remote village in northern Mozambique in the 1980s, Rosling was tasked with setting up a tuberculosis program in the village. He quickly realized that the villagers were more concerned about their lack of access to clean water and basic sanitation than they were about tuberculosis.

Rosling initially resisted their requests for help with water and sanitation, thinking that his job was to address the tuberculosis problem. However, he eventually realized that the villagers were right – without access to clean water and sanitation, any efforts to address tuberculosis would be futile.

This experience taught Rosling the importance of listening to people and understanding their priorities. It also highlighted the interconnectedness of different global issues – without access to clean water and sanitation, people’s health would suffer, making it more difficult to address other health problems like tuberculosis. This story underscores the importance of taking a holistic and fact-based approach to addressing global challenges, rather than focusing on isolated issues without considering their broader context.

Key Quotes

• “The world cannot be understood without numbers. And it cannot be understood with numbers alone.”
• “Progress is not made by accepting what we know. It is made by rejecting what we do not know”.
• “We need to be humble about what we know, and realistic about what we can achieve”.
• “It is the combination of the chimpanzee instinct to divide us and the perspective instinct to see us divided into two groups – us and them – that has brought so much injustice and suffering in the world”.
• “The only way to avoid being wrong is to change your mind when you get new information”.
• “The single most dangerous thing we can do is to look at the world through a single story.”
• “We like stories that fit a pattern, and in our eagerness to fit new events into existing patterns, we often get things wrong.”
• “The truth is that the world is improving on many fronts at once, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.”
• “The fact that things can be bad doesn’t mean they are equally bad or always getting worse.”

“Factfullness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World and Why Things Are Better Than You Think” is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that challenges our preconceived notions about the state of the world. It presents compelling data and stories to demonstrate that many of the world’s most pressing problems are not as dire as we might think, and that significant progress has been made in recent decades. Although, it may be argued that the book oversimplify complex issues and obscure important nuances. While Rosling’s use of income levels and other simplified measures may be helpful for conveying broad trends, they may also obscure important differences within and between countries. For example, grouping all countries in sub-Saharan Africa as a single category can overlook important differences in economic, political, and social conditions within the region. That being said, one of many important contribution is the books emphasis on critical thinking skills and a fact-based worldview in addressing global challenges. Overall, it offers a refreshing and optimistic perspective on the state of the world, while also reminding readers of the work that still needs to be done to build a more just and equitable society.

If you are intrigued and would like to dig deeper, then consider watching the below videos of Hans Rosling on the message he is trying to convey through the book and his work.


Watch the TED talk “How not to be ignorant about the world” (19:09 min)” by Hans Rosling from 2014 below.

Watch “Why we wrote Factfulness” (5:45 min) from 2018 at Gapminder Foundation below.

Watch the presentation “Don’t Panic” (58:50 min) from 2014 by Hans Rosling at Gapminder Foundation below.

Watch the presentation “200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 Minutes – The Joy of Stat” (4:47 min) using augmented reality animation from 2010 by Hans Rosling at BBC below.

Watch the TED talk “Religions and babies” (13:20 min) by Hans Rosling from 2012 at the TEDxSummit in Doha (Qatar), below.

Watch the TEDx talk “The good news of the decade?” (16:05 min) by Hans Rosling from 2010 at the TEDx Change event, below.

Watch the TED talk “The best stats you have ever seen” (20:35 min)” by Hans Rosling from 2007 below.