“Lies, damned lies, and statistics” is a phrase describing the persuasive power of numbers, particularly the use of statistics to bolster weak arguments, and the tendency of people to disparage statistics that do not support their positions. It is also sometimes colloquially used to doubt statistics used to prove an opponent’s point. The term was popularised in the United States by Mark Twain, who attributed it to the 19th-century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881): “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” However, the phrase is not found in any of Disraeli’s works and the earliest known appearances were years after his death.
Here’s one that seems even more appropriate. When Henry James was saying goodbye to his nephew, he said something that the boy never forgot. “There are three things that are important in human life. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.”
Leave a Reply +