I read Factfulness a while ago, but it’s been coming back to mind lately. 

Maybe it’s because the world feels especially heavy right now, and I’ve needed a reminder to step back and look at the full picture. 

Hans Rosling’s message is simple but powerful: 

We’re often wrong about how the world is doing—and it’s usually because of the way our brains are wired. 

We focus on the dramatic. We miss the progress. We jump to conclusions. And we don’t always ask for context. 

In the book, Rosling outlines 10 “instincts” that shape how we misunderstand the world,
and what we can do to see things more clearly: 

The Gap Instinct

We tend to divide things into “us and them,” ignoring the majority in the middle. 

The Negativity Instinct 

 Bad news grabs our attention, making us believe things are worse than they are. 

The Straight Line Instinct

We assume trends will continue in a straight line, forgetting that most things change in curves. 

The Fear Instinct 

Our attention naturally goes to fear-driven stories, often distorting risk and reality. 

The Size Instinct

We get overwhelmed by big numbers without comparing them to something meaningful. 

The Generalization Instinct

We assume what’s true for some is true for all, missing the nuance. 

The Destiny Instinct 

We believe some things are unchangeable, when in fact, they evolve over time. 

The Single Perspective Instinct 

We look at problems through one lens, rather than combining viewpoints. 

The Blame Instinct 

We look for someone to blame, instead of focusing on systems and solutions. 

The Urgency Instinct 

We feel pressure to act fast, which can cloud our judgment and lead to poor decisions. 

Reading this reminded me how important it is to check our instincts—and our sources. 

It’s not about ignoring what’s wrong in the world. It’s about seeing progress and problems.
Holding both. Staying curious instead of cynical. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the state of things, this book might help you
breathe a little easier and think a little more clearly.
 

Get the book: Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About The World-and Why Things Are Better Than You Think 

 Want to test your instincts?  Try the Gapminder quiz!

And I’d love to know:  Where are you seeing hope and light these days, even in small ways?