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Statistics, one may hope, will improve gradually, and…

“Statistics, one may hope, will improve gradually, and become good for something. Meanwhile, it is to be feared the crabbed satirist was partly right, as things go: "A judicious man," says he, "looks at Statistics, not to get knowledge, but to save himself from having ignorance foisted on him."” quote by Thomas Carlyle
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“Statistics, one may hope, will improve gradually, and become good for something. Meanwhile, it is to be feared the crabbed satirist was partly right, as things go: "A judicious man," says he, "looks at Statistics, not to get knowledge, but to save himself from having ignorance foisted on him."”

Thomas Carlyle

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 useful but may be misused to avoid confronting ignorance.

In simple terms: Stats help, but can hide truth.

Key Takeaway

Use stats wisely, not as a shield.

Themes

knowledge skepticism statistics

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • business decisions
  • policy analysis
  • academic research
  • media reporting

Key Concepts

epistemology critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you trust numbers without questioning?
  • When do stats mislead you?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance may lead to false security.

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