What the Numbers

Say

IntroA step by step guide for how to understand and

properly use the constant barrage of numbers that we are

faced with throughout the day.

La Question Grand

In a society where we are bombarded by

numbers, what techniques can we apply

to better understand and use this information.

La Reponse (The Answer, for those who can’t remember from

French Class)

One must look at numbers critically.

•only trusting hard evidence

never trust numbers until they are fully defined (includes units)

• ask questions even if they seem simple or put bluntly, stupid

•don’t use numbers until one can rationalize the magnitude of its quantity

• percents of percents are crazy, do not confuse them, remember which applies to which

•Working with numbers requires a lot of time, effort, and focus

Continued

Conclusions and My Opinion

I think this book is a good read and I highly recommend it to everyone, especially those

mathematically challenged and people who tend to over-think their problems.