That quote is often attributed to Mark Twain (and others). Whoever said it, the intent is to call statistics into question when used to support an argument. Fair enough. Challenge the statistics, but do it with some idea of how statistics actually work. I couldn't do that myself. I got a C in the one statistics course I took. Most of you reading this won't have a clue either. Therefore we are maybe four or five steps removed from knowing how reliable the statistics might be. We have to decide how far to trust someone using statistics in support of an argument, how far to trust the critics of that argument, and how far to trust the source of the statistics, the peer review and the factcheckers. In any case, if we do the work, we are better off with statistics than with mere opinions and propaganda. With good evidence, we may improve the odds of a better future.
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Trump's Economic Statistics: Politifact
The Planet Is Warming Faster Than We Thought: Just Have a Think, August 10, 2025
Fossil Fuels Exposed: David Suzuki Foundation
New Research Debunks Climate Disinformation: Just Have a Think, Aug 17, 2025
when I began my university degree one or two courses at a time, Statics was a required course. Over the years they kept dropping this or that requirement so crossed my fingers and hoped to avoid the dreaded "math-related" course. I knocked off all the history and English courses, ticked off the sociology to balance my load and then, as I approached the registration desk for my last two courses I expected to bite the statistics bullet, checked the list one more time and Hallelujah! Statistics was OFf the list.
ReplyDeleteso I never took it. I probably should have. It might have come in handy.