Statistics Quotes – Reflections on Data and Numbers

A curated collection of statistics quotes reflecting on the meaning of data, numbers, and their impact on knowledge and truth.

This selection of statistics quotes provides insights into the role of numbers and data in understanding our world. The quotes address the objectivity, interpretation, and use of statistical results. They invite reflection on the limits and possibilities of statistics and their significance in scientific thinking and everyday life.

"If you calculate everything, nothing succeeds."

Romano Prodi

"The Government are extremely fond of amassing great quantities of statistics. These are raised to the nth degree, the cube roots are extracted, and the results are arranged into elaborate and impressive displays. What must be kept in mind, however, is that in every case, the figures are first put down by a village watchman, and he puts down anything he damn well pleases!"

Sir Josiah Stamp

"Mathematics is often invoked for things that could just as well be presented in plain, understandable language—and sometimes even for things that are deliberately not stated too clearly, because otherwise it would quickly become apparent what nonsense lies behind them."

Paul Krugman

"A well-packaged statistic is better than Hitler's "big lie" which misleads you, but it cannot be pinned on you."

Darrell Huff

"Facts are stubborn, but statistics are more pliable."

Mark Twain

"The case against science is straightforward: much of the scientific literature, perhaps half, may simply be untrue. Afflicted by studies with small sample sizes, tiny effects, invalid exploratory analyses, and flagrant conflicts of interest, together with an obsession for pursuing fashionable trends of dubious importance, science has taken a turn towards darkness"

Richard Horton

"In every team there are players who never have the best stats. But always stay in the team, because they make their team-mates better and therefore also the team."

Donna Paulsen