Entranced as we are by scientific technology, numbers have taken on the aura of holy writ. “Numbers don’t lie,” supposedly profound thinkers chant. We often plan to base decisions on numerical analysis.
But numbers are, in fact, imaginary. The number “one” has no more existence than the “root of minus one.” Because numbers only have power when applied to objects or concepts. Our definition of those attributes can be fuzzy indeed.
“Wait! If I say I have one apple it means something, right?” It’s one less than two, at least. But well what about one piece of fruit, or one shiny red delicious apple as opposed to one good and one rotten one. We need to define and define and define, often beyond the bounds of common sense.
And that is where “by the numbers” becomes unglued. It is great for general estimation, as long as we remain aware of the definition pitfalls. But as a culture most people find that too hard, and the ones who need to sell something are quite willing to fudge to the point of lying.
I’m obviously not against the concept of numbers. I just think their “truth” in any given situation should be open to severe questioning.
And as soon as anyone tries to influence me with social analysis “by the numbers” I become suspicious. It’s not only “statistics” _ numbers themselves can lie convincingly.
HuntingtonHarborThoughts 