“He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – for support rather than illumination.”
What this quote means
This sharp metaphor condemns the misuse of data to justify preconceived opinions. Like a drunk clinging to a lamppost for support, some seek in numbers a convenient crutch rather than a source of light. It reminds us that statistics can be twisted to serve a narrative, and we must approach them with a critical eye, seeking the truth they reveal, not the one we want them to tell.
How to apply it daily
In a debate, examine the figures cited: check their source, context, and ask whether they illuminate the issue or merely prop up an argument.
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