© Susan Woodward "Windy Point"
6 x 8 inch palette knife oil on canvas panel
On an early May morning, a friend and I drove to this wonderful setting, Windy Point, about 2/3 the way up Mt. Lemmon. We painted for about 1-1/2 hours, and by then the wind was about to blow over our easels and send gear flying. I finished this in the studio. I became entranced by the rocks and the view, so plan to go back again.
I love to read. As a matter of fact, that love wars with my love and desire to paint! Recently I read a book that sort of blew my mind and thought it was worth recommending:
“Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World – and
Why Things Are Better Than You Think” – Hans Rosling
Although there are real, serious, concerns, it seems that
the world is in far better shape than we think. Our belief about how things are
is skewed by our instincts.
How would you answer the following question?
In the last 20 years, the proportion of the world population
living in extreme poverty has…
A: almost doubled
B: remained more or less the same
C: almost halved
The author poses simple questions about global trends like
the above, and has tested audiences from all over the world, highly educated
people, even senior policy decision makers. A stunning majority of them get it
wrong. The correct answer is C – so if you got it wrong (I did) you’re in excellent
company.
The book examines each of our instincts – shows us how to
recognize when our thinking is being warped by it, and then gives us guidance as to how we can control it.
A fascinating and moving read that will change the way we
see the world. If you take my advice and read it, please let me know what you thought.
