What Me Worry? by Kelefa Sanneh is an uplifting, insightful and often funny exploration into the state of modern life and our collective apprehension towards the future. In it, he explores his own experiences growing up in a small African country, navigating a new school in America and ultimately living and working in a world of constant change and upheaval.
The book begins with the thought-provoking question “What me worry?”, a question intended to make readers ask themselves what it is that worries them? For Sanneh, the answer forms the basis for much of the book. We live in a world filled with uncertainty, from economic turmoil to climate change and technological disruption. Sanneh starts by examining this uncertainty through a personal lens, using his own upbringing and experience as a starting point to outline the modern reality.
As the book progresses, Sanneh’s musings take on a more hopeful tone as he looks at how the world is changing and how those changes can be used to create a better future. He examines the role of technology, the new business models revolutionizing the way we live and work, and the potential applications of artificial intelligence. He explores changing trends in education, healthcare and public policy, expounding on its implications and offering suggestions as to how they could become beneficial.
Sanneh also delves into the psychology of dealing with uncertainty, offering advice on how to be better prepared to face uncertainty in the future. Throughout the book, he emphasizes the importance of learning to be comfortable with change and to remain open to learning new ideas and approaches. He speaks to the importance of having the right attitude when times get tough and facing challenges head on with resilience.
What Me Worry is an invaluable read for anyone looking to make sense of modern life and the future. In it, Sanneh outlines both how to better deal with uncertainty in our lives and how to use it to our benefit. As he puts it, “We don’t need to be afraid of the future; we just need to be prepared.” The book provides readers with the tools to do precisely that. Through his insights, Sanneh offers a refreshing take on what can be an overwhelming topic and provides us with a newfound appreciation for the unpredictable turns our lives can take.
