Arithmetic Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Never was so much false arithmetic employed on any subject, as that which has been employed to persuade nations that it is in their interest to go to war.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to James Madison, 1798
Governments manipulate statistics to justify war, revealing how data can be weaponized for political ends.
In simple terms: War propaganda uses false numbers.
Key Takeaway
Scrutinize political data.
Themes
politics
war
statistics
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- journalism
- education
- activism
Key Concepts
propaganda
ethical persuasion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens detect statistical manipulation?
- What ethical standards should guide wartime data?
A Different Perspective
Data can be legitimately used for defense.
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