Figures often beguile me, particularly when I have the…
“Figures often beguile me, particularly when I have the arranging of them myself; in which case the remark attributed to Disraeli would often apply with justice and force: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Statistics can be manipulated to mislead, especially when the presenter selects data to support a preconceived narrative.
In simple terms: Data can be deceptive.
Key Takeaway
Beware of selective statistics.
Themes
truth
perception
logic
bias
communication
Mood
skeptical
cautious
analytical
Type
aphor
observation
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- marketing pitches
- academic papers
- media reports
- policy debates
Key Concepts
statistics
argumentation
cognitive bias
Practical Applications
- critical data analysis
- fact‑checking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you verify the source of a statistic?
- What methods reveal hidden assumptions in data?
A Different Perspective
While statistics can be misused, they also provide objective evidence when applied rigorously and transparently.