Statistics and the truth

By:  March 2, 2008 Categories: 

It’s scientifically proven: Black cars are 12% more involved in an accident. So, when buying a car, is it better to buy a white car?

It’s easy to think that way, but statistics don’t mean the world. Think a little bit further. Maybe there is a direct connection between the colour of the car and the amount of accidents, but maybe not.

Perhaps aggressive young drivers have a preference for black cars.

Sounds plausible, right?

Well, if that’s the true reason, you can buy a black car without having to worry about an increased risk of a crash.

People are tempted to put a direct connection between statistics and reality, but you should look a little bit further.

How about the following:
At fires, there are a lot of firefighters around.

Does that mean firefighters are often pyromaniacs?

See what I’m trying to say?

Statistics aren’t everything

Latest

Kunshan Diorama

Kunshan Diorama

Today, I’m visiting Zhengyi Old Street (正仪老街) in Kunshan — a city wedged in between Suzhou and Shanghai. This old street is like a leftover slice in between other parts properly planned by the city. On the horizon, I can see construction cranes, as if they are threatening the area; ‘we are coming to you […]
January 17, 2026
Hyperreality

Hyperreality

It’s 06:30 in the morning and I’m driving to the San Gabriel Mountains, north of Los Angeles. I’ve been trying to sleep after an exhausting week at CES, but I’m too excited for this hike and can’t wait to depart the Airbnb we’re in. Every visit to the United States is an adventure. The most […]
January 15, 2026
In Praise Of Writing (And the Case Against AI)

In Praise Of Writing (And the Case Against AI)

If George Orwell, one of the best essayists, were alive today, he’d be firmly against AI. Not because of 1984 or ‘Big Brother’, but because in ‘Why I Write’, he listed four motives for writing; Historical impulse Political purpose Aesthetic enthusiasm Egoism   Neither of these motives survives if you let AI do the writing […]
January 14, 2026
Secret Listening #6

Secret Listening #6

This series is called ‘Secret Listening’, from the Chinese word 偷听Tōutīng. I know this can be — and should probably be — translated as ‘eavesdropping’, but secret listening captures it better and adds a bit of jest. These little stories or remarks stood out to me, and show a more personal side of China away […]
December 27, 2025