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The so-called science of poll-taking is not a science at…

“The so-called science of poll-taking is not a science at all but mere necromancy. People are unpredictable by nature, and although you can take a nation's pulse, you can't be sure that the nation hasn't just run up a flight of stairs.” quote by E. B. White
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“The so-called science of poll-taking is not a science at all but mere necromancy. People are unpredictable by nature, and although you can take a nation's pulse, you can't be sure that the nation hasn't just run up a flight of stairs.”

E. B. White

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Polls claim scientific rigor but actually rely on unpredictable human behavior, making results uncertain.

In simple terms: Polls are not truly scientific.

Key Takeaway

Treat poll results cautiously.

Themes

statistics human behavior uncertainty

Mood

skeptical analytical

Type

critical observational

When to use this quote

  • election forecasting
  • market research
  • public health surveys

Key Concepts

polling prediction mass opinion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How reliable are polls in your field?
  • What factors skew poll outcomes?
A Different Perspective

Polls can be misleading if over‑interpreted.

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