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kemorah
Student
Chesterton, Indiana
1
Question
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what is the root of the worlds problems?
what is the root of the worlds problems?
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5 answers
Howard Li
Sustainability Consultant
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Howard’s Answer
There isn't one answer for this, otherwise we probably would have solved most of them by now!
As far as things that can help address a lot of root causes of problems, I would submit that a few things would make a big difference:
- Improved quality and access to education. Education helps us better understand the world and each other, and at the same time equips us all to address the problems of the world in a more effective way.
- Resource efficiency and protecting the environment. Most people don't realize how much of our existence is tied to nature and the environment, but without the ecosystem we would struggle to provide people with enough food, water, and other basic needs, which then leads to conflict and competition for scare resources.
As far as things that can help address a lot of root causes of problems, I would submit that a few things would make a big difference:
- Improved quality and access to education. Education helps us better understand the world and each other, and at the same time equips us all to address the problems of the world in a more effective way.
- Resource efficiency and protecting the environment. Most people don't realize how much of our existence is tied to nature and the environment, but without the ecosystem we would struggle to provide people with enough food, water, and other basic needs, which then leads to conflict and competition for scare resources.
Emmanuel Henson, CFP®, EA
Financial Planner
18
Answers
Towson, Maryland
Updated
Emmanuel’s Answer
An inability, or unwillingness to interpret and act accordingly to relevant statistical data.
As the renowned statistician George Box once said, "All models are wrong, some are useful."
Every day, we encounter a sea of data. It could be about politics, climate change, medical advice, or even the root cause of global issues. Quite often, we find that despite our best predictions, we're not always right. In this uncertain grey area, some of the worst events in human history have occurred. Fear, hatred, war - these can often be traced back to someone misjudging the likelihood of an event, knowing it's unlikely, yet choosing to act contrary to this.
In his book "Thinking Fast and Slow," Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the cognitive biases and mental hurdles that prevent us from selecting the right experts, and knowing that you are most likely not the one, in every subject.
Consider this thought experiment from his book. He asked a group of people to guess the number of marbles in a jar (or something similar, the details escape me now). Then, he asked each participant if they thought their guess was good, average, or below average. Surprisingly, most people believed their guess was better than average, despite no real reason to think so.
So, before we even start to tackle the question of the root cause of the world's problems, we face a larger question. How do we convince the public that the problem is real, that it's worth solving? This task is impossible without data. And it's equally impossible in a climate of anti-intellectualism, conspiracy theories, and a widespread lack of understanding of how to interpret statistical data.
As the renowned statistician George Box once said, "All models are wrong, some are useful."
Every day, we encounter a sea of data. It could be about politics, climate change, medical advice, or even the root cause of global issues. Quite often, we find that despite our best predictions, we're not always right. In this uncertain grey area, some of the worst events in human history have occurred. Fear, hatred, war - these can often be traced back to someone misjudging the likelihood of an event, knowing it's unlikely, yet choosing to act contrary to this.
In his book "Thinking Fast and Slow," Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the cognitive biases and mental hurdles that prevent us from selecting the right experts, and knowing that you are most likely not the one, in every subject.
Consider this thought experiment from his book. He asked a group of people to guess the number of marbles in a jar (or something similar, the details escape me now). Then, he asked each participant if they thought their guess was good, average, or below average. Surprisingly, most people believed their guess was better than average, despite no real reason to think so.
So, before we even start to tackle the question of the root cause of the world's problems, we face a larger question. How do we convince the public that the problem is real, that it's worth solving? This task is impossible without data. And it's equally impossible in a climate of anti-intellectualism, conspiracy theories, and a widespread lack of understanding of how to interpret statistical data.
Houcine Lakhchach
Career Development Specialist | U.S Department exchange Alumnus | EFL/ESL trainer | Program manager
139
Answers
Kenitra, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Morocco
Updated
Houcine’s Answer
Hi there,
I think that Identifying the singular root of the world's problems is complex and subjective, as global challenges often stem from a combination of interconnected factors. Issues such as inequality, poverty, conflict, environmental degradation, and political unrest have roots in diverse economic, social, and geopolitical contexts. Some argue that systemic issues like corruption, lack of education, or inadequate governance contribute significantly to these challenges. Others point to the impact of historical events, cultural differences, or disparities in resources as fundamental factors. The root causes of global problems are multifaceted, and understanding and addressing them require a comprehensive and nuanced approach that considers the intricate web of influences shaping our world.
I think that Identifying the singular root of the world's problems is complex and subjective, as global challenges often stem from a combination of interconnected factors. Issues such as inequality, poverty, conflict, environmental degradation, and political unrest have roots in diverse economic, social, and geopolitical contexts. Some argue that systemic issues like corruption, lack of education, or inadequate governance contribute significantly to these challenges. Others point to the impact of historical events, cultural differences, or disparities in resources as fundamental factors. The root causes of global problems are multifaceted, and understanding and addressing them require a comprehensive and nuanced approach that considers the intricate web of influences shaping our world.
Sean Browne
Web Marketing Manager
6
Answers
Salinas, California
Updated
Sean’s Answer
I see you are from Chesterton, it reminded me of my favorite answer to that question from GK Chesterton. He answered 'I am'
meaning we start with ourselves. He actually wrote a great book 'What is Wrong with the World' . Manny's answer above is a good one too, and the problem of data is that people use it to prove what they want you to conclude by changing the timeframe or other variables. I think a focus on self-reflection and a genuine desire to get to the truth would go a long way to solving the world's problems.
meaning we start with ourselves. He actually wrote a great book 'What is Wrong with the World' . Manny's answer above is a good one too, and the problem of data is that people use it to prove what they want you to conclude by changing the timeframe or other variables. I think a focus on self-reflection and a genuine desire to get to the truth would go a long way to solving the world's problems.
Bajaj Nitesh Kumar
Software Engineer
4
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Bajaj’s Answer
Desire is the fundamental source of all issues. Life would be significantly more relaxed if we didn't harbor any desires.
Cultural elements, for instance, traditions, convictions, and principles;
Economic elements, like wealth, property, and resources;
Political elements, including the power to make decisions, are all influential factors.
The loss of biodiversity.
Changes in the climate.
Harmful artificial intelligence.
Environmental catastrophes.
Nuclear devastation.
Global disease outbreak.
Risks associated with biotechnology.
Molecular nanotechnology dangers.
Cultural elements, for instance, traditions, convictions, and principles;
Economic elements, like wealth, property, and resources;
Political elements, including the power to make decisions, are all influential factors.
The loss of biodiversity.
Changes in the climate.
Harmful artificial intelligence.
Environmental catastrophes.
Nuclear devastation.
Global disease outbreak.
Risks associated with biotechnology.
Molecular nanotechnology dangers.