They say statistics by their nature don't lie, but in my opinion they sometimes do and damnably at that

They say statistics by their nature don't lie, but in my opinion they sometimes do and damnably at that

Statistics are often seen as objective and reliable sources of information, providing us with valuable insights into various aspects of our world. However, the statement "They say statistics by their nature don't lie, but in my opinion they sometimes do and damnably at that" suggests that statistics can be misleading and deceptive, leading us to draw incorrect conclusions or make faulty decisions.

The word "damnably" adds a sense of severity and condemnation to the idea that statistics can be untrustworthy. It implies that when statistics do lie, the consequences can be significant and harmful. This raises important questions about the reliability of statistical data and the potential dangers of blindly accepting statistics as absolute truths.

One of the main reasons why statistics can be misleading is the way in which they are collected and interpreted. Statistics are often based on samples rather than entire populations, which can lead to sampling errors and inaccuracies. Additionally, the way in which data is collected and analyzed can be influenced by biases, assumptions, and methodological flaws, all of which can distort the results and misrepresent reality.

Furthermore, statistics can be manipulated or selectively presented to support a particular agenda or narrative. This can be done through cherry-picking data, using misleading visualizations, or framing statistics in a way that highlights certain aspects while downplaying others. In this way, statistics can be used to deceive and manipulate, leading us to believe in false conclusions or make misguided decisions.