Factfulness

I've seen this book pop up on a number of recommended books lists. Then, one of my clients, Ralph de la Vega, former CEO of AT&T Mobility said it was one of the top 10 books that have influenced him the most. I was sold.

This is easily one of the most important books I've read for this reading project. I like to think that I have a pretty good idea of what's going on in the world, certainly at the macro level. I studied international business and the undergrad and graduate levels, traveled to a number of different countries for work, and have traveled to different parts of the world. I read all the time and try to stay informed.

There is a 13 question quiz at the beginning of this book asking basic questions about the world. I got 5 correct. That's 38%. That's an F minus. There were only three multiple choice answers per question, meaning I could have guessed and gotten around the same score. (If you'd like to take the test yourself, you can do so here).

Turns out, nearly everyone fails this quiz, miserably. Doesn't matter if you are a Nobel laureate, a professor, or a janitor. On some questions, only 10% of super bright people get it right. If that's the case, and if you'd get at least 33% correct by guessing, this shows that people are operating off of incorrect worldviews.

This book provides a new worldview framework. It's not about memorizing facts but in understanding trends. It's about removing old worldviews (rich/poor, developed/developing/ 1st world/3rd world) and replacing it with a more valid understanding.

This book will help you identify when others are operating on a misguided worldview. It may open up new business opportunities to you. It will surely embarrass you, but hopefully it will make you want to fix your incorrect beliefs.

You need to read this book.