Understand Your Subject

I think that many times, society, as a whole, have a tendency to blindly read the information that's been presented to us without actually putting any thought into understanding it.

Statistics are a good example.

How many times have you read an article, that quotes some sort of statistic to support it's position, and just accepted it at face value? Judging by the way the media can control everything we say and do... many of you have done this, and quite frequently. And, I suppose, that's alright - it's human nature. Numbers rule - if someone is quoting numbers, they must have done the research, and they must know what they're talking about.

But numbers can always be manipulated, and at best only give you a snapshot, a specific view. How about a real world example?

In six years, the Canadian Junior Hockey team has only lost two times out of thirty-two games. Twice. Out of thirty-two.

BUT:

Only one of those losses cost them the gold medal. So, when it comes down to it, although our win record at the world junior championships is a staggering 94% - we went home with the silver medal this year.

Always look beyond the headlines, the numbers, the bells and whistles. I guarantee you, there will be more to the story - if you take the time.

~Guy