History of Statistics

	Revision 23 . . November 3, 2001 10:49 am by (logged).188.199.xxx [*added slightly to the opening statement about statistics]
	Revision 22 . . (edit) November 1, 2001 4:43 am by (logged).128.164.xxx [bypassed a bunch of redirects.]
	Revision 21 . . October 26, 2001 5:10 am by Larry Sanger
	Revision 20 . . July 27, 2001 1:04 am by (logged).110.208.xxx

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It is useful for anyone who is committed to learning from facts instead of authorities. Ignorance of statistics can leave one open to being lied to, cheated, and made to look foolish.

Mark Twain said, "There are lies, damn lies -- and statistics." This describes a common view about statistics, which is dubious in the extreme about their value. But the fact that statistics can be, and are, distorted and misused cannot change the fact that they have enormous value. Whenever a prevailing orthodoxy exists, it is clarifying to examine that orthodoxy by some objective method, and statistics are one of the best methods. A good working knowledge of statistics can also help us to see clearly when others are misusing statistics to gain advantage.