You and I are forever at the mercy of the census-taker and…
“You and I are forever at the mercy of the census-taker and the census-maker. That impertinent fellow who goes from house to house is one of the real masters of the statistical situation. The other is the man who organizes the results.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Statisticians and data collectors wield hidden power over society, shaping perceptions and decisions.
In simple terms: Data collectors hold hidden power.
Key Takeaway
Question data sources.
Themes
politics
media
statistics
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- media analysis
- public discourse
Key Concepts
information control
power structures
Questions to Reflect On
- Who decides what data matters?
- What biases affect data collection?
A Different Perspective
Data can be manipulated.