Numbers

by David Boyle, Anita Roddick

We all encounter numbers hundreds of times a day. This is a collection of some of the most peculiar, bizarre, shocking, or hilarious numbers we could find. They are meant to make you think, to challenge your assumptions (and your credulity), to make you laugh, to move you to action, or simply to entertain. This book also offers a glimpse into the history of humanity’s fascination with numbers and how our relationship with them ultimately reveals how we relate to each other and our world.

Genres: Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2004

About the author

David Courtney Boyle was a British author and journalist who wrote mainly about history and new ideas in economics, money, business, and culture. He lived in Steyning in West Sussex.
He conducted an independent review for the Treasury and the Cabinet Office on public demand for choice in public services which reported in 2013. Boyle was a co-founder and policy director of Radix, which he characterized in 2017 as a radical centrist think tank. He was also co-director of the mutual think tank New Weather Institute.

Reviews

[Jim Razinha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Curious little book of lists...and no sources. One fun twist was the trivium attached to each page number at the bottom of the pages.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and amusing insight into crazy ways we use numbers and create statistics.

Some of them are very sad indeed even if they aren't completely accurate they still indicate how delusional the human race is.
Others are simply funny, odd or ridiculous.
How come I didn't see, time wasted collecting statistics on crazy human behaviour?

I do enjoy a good number like anyone and am drawn to their mysterious history and mystical qualities, so some of these statistics appeal to me but after having read them all, I wonder how better we all and the world might be if we simplified and stopped the obviously bad choices we make.
The cost of war and weapons goes beyond money. What is spent globally could benefit the entire human race for years to come. Poverty, famine, clean water, homelessness and education could be achievable for all.

Despite our abilities and achievements we are still sad and sorry creatures.

Make love not war.

Turn on the random acts of kindness...

[Jesse Ronnow · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book of stats, fact and other amazing numbers.