Sometimes simple statistics can put how really great we have things in perspective: If "compassionate conservatism" has taught me anything it's that poor people should just get more money. Worked for me.
I hear these statistics all the time about being richer than 75-92% of the world, but does that mean there are mor people in India and Africa than I can imagine or that all those freewheeling Italians (and other Europeans) just aren't saving anything?
I think there are more poor folks out there than you can imagine, one L. There are well over half a billion people in the richest 8%, which doesn't sound like that many worldwide until you remember:
- over 3 billion people live on less than $2.50 a day
- at least 80% of the planet lives on less than $10 a day
- The poorest 40 percent of the world’s population accounts for 5 percent of global income while the richest 20 percent accounts for three-quarters of world income
The majority of the planet is very poor. On a relative scale of geography and history we have it pretty damn good here in the States.
If you follow the link at the bottom of the post it leads here, Caroline. Several commenters remark upon getting a poster of it so you might want to skim that thread for ideas.
Yeah but, what does it all mean?
ReplyDeleteTends to put things in perspective. Perhaps we complain too much.
ReplyDeleteI hear these statistics all the time about being richer than 75-92% of the world, but does that mean there are mor people in India and Africa than I can imagine or that all those freewheeling Italians (and other Europeans) just aren't saving anything?
ReplyDeleteI think there are more poor folks out there than you can imagine, one L. There are well over half a billion people in the richest 8%, which doesn't sound like that many worldwide until you remember:
ReplyDelete- over 3 billion people live on less than $2.50 a day
- at least 80% of the planet lives on less than $10 a day
- The poorest 40 percent of the world’s population accounts for 5 percent of global income while the richest 20 percent accounts for three-quarters of world income
The majority of the planet is very poor. On a relative scale of geography and history we have it pretty damn good here in the States.
You're right, JC. What in hell is everyone complaining about? Thanks, JBW.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find that? Is it a poster? I'd like to get one for my classroom!
ReplyDeleteNo worries, Leslie.
ReplyDeleteIf you follow the link at the bottom of the post it leads here, Caroline. Several commenters remark upon getting a poster of it so you might want to skim that thread for ideas.