--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: People tend to think that numbers are…" description: "\"People tend to think that numbers are quite objective, but numbers in economics are not like this. Some economists say they're like sausages: you don't..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/120/ha-joon-chang-3497_cut_people-tend-to-think-that-numbers-are-qu_3165654.png" --- # People tend to think that numbers are quite objective, but… ![“People tend to think that numbers are quite objective, but numbers in economics are not like this. Some economists say they're like sausages: you don't know what they really are until you cut into them.” quote by Ha-Joon Chang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/120/ha-joon-chang-3497_cut_people-tend-to-think-that-numbers-are-qu_3165654.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/120/ha-joon-chang-3497_cut_people-tend-to-think-that-numbers-are-qu_3165654.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/120/ha-joon-chang-3497_cut_people-tend-to-think-that-numbers-are-qu_3165654.png) > “People tend to think that numbers are quite objective, but numbers in economics are not like this. Some economists say they're like sausages: you don't know what they really are until you cut into them.” [Ha-Joon Chang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ha-joon-chang/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Economic data are constructed, not purely objective; they reflect underlying choices. **In simple terms:** Numbers in economics are shaped by decisions. Key Takeaway Question data assumptions. Themes economics data interpretation Mood critical analytical Type academic informative When to use this quote - budget planning - academic research - public reporting Key Concepts Statistical analysis policy making Questions to Reflect On - How do you verify economic data? - What assumptions underlie your metrics? 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