Add Quote by David J. C. MacKay
“We can't be anti-everything - we need an energy plan that adds up. But there's a lack of numeracy in the public discussion of energy. Where people do use numbers, they select them to sound big and score points in arguments, rather than to aid thoughtful discussion.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air, 2009
Energy discussions often misuse numbers, inflating claims rather than fostering understanding.
In simple terms: People pick big numbers to win arguments, not to inform.
Key Takeaway
Promote clear, honest data use.
Themes
energy policy
public discourse
numeracy
Mood
analytical
educational
Type
technical
informative
When to use this quote
- public debates
- media reporting
- education curricula
Key Concepts
statistics
communication
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we improve public numeracy?
- What tools aid transparent energy discussions?
A Different Perspective
Complex data can overwhelm audiences.
![“The three filters [against folly] operate through these particular questions: Literacy: What are the words? Numeracy: What are the numbers? Ecolacy: And then what?” quote by Garrett Hardin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3be/garrett-hardin-11328_filters_the-three-filters-against-folly-operate_3162582.jpg)
