How to make the world add up

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Factfulness meets How to Be Right in this major new work from bestselling economist Tim Harford. Renowned for making statistics engaging, Harford presents a compelling case for the power of numbers in understanding our world. Statistics are essential for storytelling, yet skepticism about their validity is rampant. Contrary to misconceptions, good statistics are not deceptive; they illuminate reality, acting as a telescope, microscope, or X-ray for our understanding. In this insightful exploration, Harford draws on his experiences as an economist and host of the BBC's "More or Less," navigating through disinformation, flawed research, and misguided motivations to uncover valuable data and analysis. He introduces an array of intriguing characters, from a Nazi-conning art forger to a congressman-loving stripper, alongside renowned data figures like John Maynard Keynes and Florence Nightingale. Harford equips readers with ten straightforward rules for interpreting numbers, plus one golden rule, empowering us to approach claims with confidence and curiosity. By carefully considering how numbers are sourced and presented, we can gain a clearer perspective on how the world truly adds up, dispelling clouds of deceit and delusion.