Too often we try to quantify what can’t actually be measured. We count people, but not individuals. We count exam results rather than intelligence, benefit claimants instead of poverty. The government has set itself 10,000 new targets. Politicians pack their speeches with skewed statistics: crime rates are either rising or falling depending on who is doing the counting.

We are in a world in which everything designed only to be measured. If it can’t be measured it can be ignored.

But the big problem is what numbers don’t tell you. They won’t interpret. They won’t inspire, and they won’t tell you precisely what causes what.

In this passionately argued and thought-provoking book, David Boyle examines our obsession with numbers. He reminds us of the danger of taking numbers so seriously at the expense of what is non-measurable, non-calculable: intuition, creativity, imagination, happiness…

Counting is a vital human skill. Yardsticks are a vital tool. As long as we remember how limiting they are if we cling to them too closely.

Americans who claim to have been abducted by aliens = 3.7 million

Average time spent by British people in traffic jams every year = 11 days

Number of Americans shot by children under six between 1983 and 1993 = 138, 490

About the Author

David Boyle is a journalist who has written about new ideas in economics for the past decade in newspapers and magazines all over the world. He is the author of Funny Money. Since 1988 he has been editor of New Economics magazine and he has also edited a range of other publications including Town & Country Planning. David Boyle is a fellow of the RSA and a well-known figure in organizations such as the New Economics Foundation. He has been a Winston Curchill Fellow and is a regular broadcaster on the future of money, cities ecomomics and a range of other topics.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

I buy books in bulk cheap and I pass the savings on to my customers. I specialize in unusual books instead of the bestsellers. I try to price my books below the market whenever possible. I do my best to please my customers with good deals and prompt refunds. I operate a very honest small business. I appreciate your patronage!

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Budget Books
CA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Shipping Terms

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 4.00	US$ 10.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.