p. 114 – 118
Hans Rosling offers even more convincing examples about how the fear instinct has helped humans to progress.
Under the ‘Contamination’ header there’s the example about how the environmental movement began and how the fear of little governmental oversight and the fear of lack of corporate ethics led to the current—thought of as sufficient—regulatory system. What I find fascinating is this little detail which was included in parenthesis “…though still not close to impressive coverage of the aviation system” (page 116).
It is remarkable to think that simply agreeing to share accident reports and implementing simple tools such as forcing pre-flight checklists can have such a good result in limiting airplane accidents and at the same time seeing that other sectors cannot achieve the same, despite similar efforts.
Of course, the environmental issue is more complex than airplanes. Nevertheless, if we agree to work on humanity’s impact on the environment then shouldn’t we be able to agree to share impact reports and find solutions that, if universally implemented, the environment and humans would be better off?
I suspect the lack of similar results may have to do with a cost/benefit analysis more than fear. Yes, we probably don’t fear fires, floods and other natural disasters as much as plane accidents, most likely because they are considered natural—meaning as something that there’s nothing we can do to prevent—but at the same time the financial benefits of business as usual (e.g. coal fuel versus renewable—although that’s starting to change) is more financially beneficial than other actions which would not only not harm the environment but would also protect it.
But if we collectively change our views of what constitutes as a benefit when it comes to the environment, perhaps the cost/benefits analysis would change and everyone would see that even the financial benefits are more than the costs of protecting the environment. It just takes a lot of work.
As a final note on the subject of the environmental movement, the author mentions the book “Silent Spring” as the beginning of the movement in the United States, but early efforts had started in the 19th century in England, India and in the United States according to this informative Wikipedia entry.
Moving on, the author attributes the current avoidance of beneficial vaccinations and extreme phobias with anything chemical-related on the memory of the fear which was caused by the lack of regulation at that time.
This is important. Based on what I’ve read so far about the fear instinct in FACTFULNESS I’d say that fear serves two very useful purposes: one, it helps us collaborate and improve on things, second, it helps us think about issues and to make better judgments. Unfortunately, there is also the possibility of making us think unclearly which can lead to irrational behavior.
The best way to go about it might be to recognize our fears and seek to educate ourselves on whatever issue troubles us or as the author says: “I love critical thinking and I admire skepticism, but only within a framework that respects the evidence” (page 116).
The example about the measles vaccine and the author’s suggestions are a must-read for anyone who is against vaccinations. In brief, vaccinate your kids against measles. The benefits are evidence-proofed.
The Spur of the Moment Guide to FACTFULNESS is a series of posts of first thoughts while reading the book FACTFULNESS by Hans Rosling (this is an affiliate link).
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