Andrew Lang Quotes
He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lampposts—for support rather than illumination.
Andrew Lang, 1844-1912, Scottish Historian, Anthropologist, Critic & Poet, Criticism of the way a colleague used statistics
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
There is no known writing of Disraeli's with this quote although it is very commonly attributed to him as in this case by Mark Twain. Disraeli was even quoted earlier in 1895 by English Parliamentarian Leonard H. Courtney who said, “…the words of the Wise Statesman, "Lies— damned lies— and statistics," and although he does not mention Disraeli by name, the “Wise Statesman” was a name commonly used for the great prime minister and the timing was right. The two together make the quotation very probably attributable to Disraeli. See linked quote.
Roosevelt himself was a great orator and there were many who thought those same terms might apply to him.
At the time, less than 10 percent of the American population approved of Congress—a historical low point. The polarization had caused some of the better members of Congress to leave the institution and vicious Tea Party primary fights within the Republican Party caused other good members to be defeated by inexperienced, extreme, ideologues. Congress was in a downward spiral.
His voyage took him to several slave countries where his anti-slavery views were challenged by locals.
One of the reason’s that TR was so popular was that he was a very candid, clear and dynamic speaker who always said what he meant and meant what he said.
Since so many politicians have lied to the public and the press, denials, the press is very suspicious of any denials. In this particular case they were concerned that this denial is stated in the present, but is not a denial about the past including the recent past. So they continued to press him.
Andrew Lang FBA was a Scottish poet, novelist, literary critic, and contributor to the field of anthropology. He is best known as a collector of folk and fairy tales. The Andrew Lang lectures at the University of St Andrews are named after him.
