It has always seemed to me that so long as you produce your dramatic effect, accuracy of detail matters little. I have never striven for it and I have made some bad mistakes in consequence. What matter if I hold my readers?
Arthur Conan DoyleRead
Still, it is an error to argue in front of your data. You find yourself insensibly twisting them round to fit your theories.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the pitfalls of letting personal biases skew the interpretation of data.
Arthur Conan Doyle's quote emphasizes the importance of objectivity when analyzing data. It suggests that when faced with information that contradicts our beliefs or theories, we may unconsciously manipulate the data to support our preconceived notions, rather than allowing the evidence to guide our understanding. This serves as a caution against confirmation bias in both scientific research and everyday reasoning.
Themes
DataBiasTheoryEvidenceReasoningObjectivity
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about data analysis, one might quote this to stress the importance of remaining impartial.
More from Arthur Conan Doyle
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I could not rest, Watson, I could not sit quiet in my chair, if I thought that such a man as Professor Moriarty were walking the streets of London unchallenged.
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