We want to get 80%-85% of predictions right, not 100%. Or else we calibrated our estimates in the wrong way.
Nate SilverRead
A lot of news is just entertainment masquerading as news.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques how news can often prioritize entertainment over factual reporting.
Nate Silver suggests that much of what is presented as news is actually designed to entertain rather than inform. This statement highlights the blurring of lines between genuine journalism and sensationalized content, indicating that audiences may be consuming information with an entertainment mindset rather than seeking truth or depth.
Themes
NewsEntertainmentMediaJournalismTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about media responsibility, this quote could be used to underline how some platforms prioritize ratings over reliability.
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A lot of journalism wants to have what they call objectivity without them having a commitment to pursuing the truth, but that doesn't work. Objectivity requires belief in and a commitment toward pursuing the truth - having an object outside of our personal point of view.
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The quest for certainty in forecasting outcomes can be the enemy of progress.
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