Rob answers “Those who have read both books: should I...”

Thanh Nguyen-Kim asked this question about Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think:

Those who have read both books: should I read Guns, Germs and Steel? As GG&S tries to give explanation of how different countries end up having development gap. While Factfulness tries to convince people of how little the gap exists. P/S: GG&S failed when I did fact check, the oldest pottery was found in China, not South America.

Rob Probably a little late now, but it's always interesting to see how much we humans combine and diverge.

Having read both, I thought they were both good…moreProbably a little late now, but it's always interesting to see how much we humans combine and diverge.

Having read both, I thought they were both good. I agree with John Stewart about much of Factfullness is apparent, but I loved it and really enjoy/ed Hans's style. It's a short easy read. This is in contrast to GG&S which, in word length, is probably 2x or 3x Factfullness. It should have been edited down to much shorter. The first few chapters clarify the main ideas, but it's far to prolix.

Anyway, read both. They're good books and you're the richer for it. (less)

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