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About this quote

What does it mean?
Informal polls only show loud opinions, not real truths.
In plain terms
Unofficial polls just show who is shouting the loudest.
What can you take from it?
Ignore informal polls; they lack real data.

Where it applies

  • evaluating survey results
  • interpreting trends

Putting it to work

  • look for verified data
  • question unverified claims

Questions to consider

  • How do you check if a poll is real?
  • What counts as valid opinion?

Another view

It dismisses all informal feedback as worthless.

More from O. Henry

  1. A burglar who respects his art always takes his time before taking anything else.

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  2. Take it from me - he's got the goods.

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  3. Turn up the lights - I don't want to go home in the dark.

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