Quote by E.B. (Elwyn Brooks) White

The so-called science of poll-taking is not a science at all but mere necromancy. People are unpredictable by nature, and although you can take a nation's pulse, you can't be sure that the nation hasn't just run up a flight of stairs.

The so-called science of poll-taking is not a science at all

Summary

This quote criticizes the accuracy and reliability of relying solely on polling as a means of understanding and predicting human behavior. It metaphorically likens poll-taking to necromancy, suggesting that it is more of an art or speculative practice rather than a precise science. It highlights the inherent unpredictability of people, emphasizing that individuals' responses and actions can be influenced by various factors, leading to potentially inconsistent or unforeseen outcomes. Therefore, the quote questions the validity of basing decisions solely on the results of polls, implying that they may not always provide a reliable representation of public sentiment or behavior.

Topics

Politics

By E.B. (Elwyn Brooks) White

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