The thing is: I *like* statistics and I find them useful in
   social sciences, political science, etc. My problem is when
   they're used for public policy... such as education (my biggest
   gripe). We're so accustomed to its usage we don't even see the
   dangers... but that to me is a lack of responsibility on the
   part of education, imo. You take kids away from their parents so
   they can learn and get some socializing in. Ok, that's fine. But
   if you're gonna do that, DO IT RIGHT.. and focusing on
   norms-for-people to the EXCLUSION of individuality is just
   maddening to no end.

   How many people roam around their teens and 20s going, "I'm
   nobody"? I'm a statistical blip?

   Granted, some amount of humility *is* a useful trait for a human
   to have... but not the way we do it. Teach people they're
   numbers and that there's no cheese at the end of the maze?
   Recipe for disaster.