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Statistics... LOL!!!

If you read my blog you know that I love statistics and today I ran across this quote that actually made me laugh:

Statistics: The only science that enables different experts using the same figures to draw different conclusions.

Evan Esar, Esar's Comic Dictionary
American Humorist (1899 - 1995)

of course there is also the following:

"Lies, damned lies, and statistics" is part of a phrase attributed to Benjamin Disraeli and popularised in the United States by Mark Twain: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." The statement refers to the persuasive power of numbers, the use of statistics to bolster weak arguments, and the tendency of people to disparage statistics that do not support their positions.

I just thought that the above information may be helpful when reading all the "stats" during this political season!

No political parties are represented in this post. I am Charles McDonald and I approve this message.

Posted by Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald on 10/02/2008 09:45 AM

Comments (23)

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statistics, political humor

Originally posted at: Charlottesville Real Estate: Statistics... LOL!!!

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23 Comments on Statistics... LOL!!!

OCT

Charles, it has always been true that you can PROVE anything with statistics. Mark Twain was humorously absolutely correct from long ago!!

It is so true, Statistics let you manipulate the information for your own benefit, we see it all the time. Funny post.

Numbers don't lie, but statistics certainly can. I think it's fun (especially in politics) to see both sides spin the same poll numbers in their favor. It is a little less enjoyable to watch people manipulate numbers to support their own views without considering the possibility of being wrong.

Statistics have shown that 90% of statistic are purely fabricted, the other 10% are lies.

Funny twist on the political statistics (all statistics!)

Were there any mathematicians harmed by your post? I always love hollering politicians who shout that the budget for their favorite pork barrel project was cut when in actuality the only thing that was cut was the amount of increase. If they ask for a 7% increase and only get 5% they consider that a cut.

Of course, all real estate statistics are absolutely true.

Aloha Chuck. . . . Thanks for your post. I love statistics but they are often mis-leading. Mark Twain said Figures dont lie but Liars figure. It's just a matter of time until things tur around. Everything is cyclical. Hey, what's the feeling in your market at this time. Are most of your Buyers "bottom-Feeders?" That's bhow it is here on Kauai. Unfortunately Sellers are still rather obstinate about their over-priced homes. Good Luck and Have a good week-end.

Best

Jim

Not unlike the statistics that agents and offices use to all claim that they are #1 in their market.

Very funny Charles. Is that how come there are so many different Real Estate Brokers caliming to be #1 in Orange County???? Seriously you can prove just about anything with minpulation.

@Paddy - so true

LOL maybe that is how they came up with the college ranking system.

Hello Charles, I did study some Statistics in college, and it is often how one interprets both the data and results can make a big difference (similar to "is the glass half empty or half full?"). No doubt, Real Estate and Political Statistics are fodder for some amusement and fun. John

Did you know that 92.8% of all statistics are made up right on the spot! Just like this one! LOL

I love statistics, just love them, love them, love them

Hey Charles,

So Funny - So True! (I am 100% sure that this statement is 100% correct)

I love when agents use silly stats and funny math.

Charles - HOW TRUE ... Stats are absolutely useless unless you are sitting in the shoes of the stationer and looking from his point of view.

That reminds me of another one figures don't lie but liars sure figure.

GO FIGURE

Love the definition of "statistics." I have seen that done so many times.

I heard Lou Holtz quote someone recently saying, "If you can't improve on the silence...be quiet." What are the odds that anyone will abide by that advice? Let the politicians chew on that for awhile!

It is like the old accountant joke, "How much is 2+ 2 equal?" Answer "How much you want it to be?"

I do enjoy number I can be Number one in something if I look long and hard enough.

OCT

Charles, I love the quote - so true... I really enjoyed statistics when I was in college.

@Jim - LOL "How much you want it to be?"

Charles: I used to be in a department many years ago that primarily dealt with statistics and made projections from them. I remember seeing a plaque in someone's office about lies, damn lies and statistics. I've never forgotten it. How true that really is.

OCT

You are so right! It was one of my first lessons in college years ago - you can make statistics do what you want them to do and it all sounds SO convincing!!!

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Statistics... LOL!!!

Statistics: The only science that enables different experts using the same figures to draw different conclusions.

Evan Esar, Esar's Comic DictionaryAmerican Humorist (1899 - 1995)

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Evan Esar, Esar's Comic Dictionary
American Humorist (1899 - 1995)