There are three kinds of lies - Lies, damned lies, and statistics.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Statistics can be used to mislead, making false statements seem credible.
- In plain terms
- Numbers can be twisted to hide the truth.
- What can you take from it?
- Question data sources and interpretation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you verify statistical claims?
- What motives might drive data distortion?
Another view
Even accurate statistics can be misleading if presented selectively.
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There are three kinds of lies - Lies, damned lies, and statistics.
Mark TwainMark Twain quote #203 A witty statesman said, you might prove anything by figures.
Thomas CarlyleThomas Carlyle quote #4 In ancient times they had no statistics so they had to fall back on lies.
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