“The numbers were, at best, guesstimates, and all three men knew it. The relevant figure would ultimately be the one that represented the most they could possibly ask from Congress without raising too many questions. Whatever that sum turned out to be, they knew they could count on (Interim Assistant Secretary of the Treasury) Kashkari to perform some sort of mathematical voodoo to justify it:”
Analysis of Quote from Andrew Ross Sorkin
The quote reveals the manipulation and dishonesty involved in budgeting and financial decision-making in the government. The three men are aware that the numbers they present are not accurate, but they aim to come up with a figure that will not raise suspicion. They rely on Kashkari to use mathematical tricks to justify the final sum, highlighting the lack of transparency and ethics in their practices. This quote sheds light on the dubious tactics employed by some government officials when dealing with taxpayer money.
Modern Relevance
In today's world, where government spending and budgeting are under constant scrutiny, the quote from Andrew Ross Sorkin's book "Too Big to Fail" holds modern relevance. The concept of manipulating numbers to justify a desired outcome is not an unfamiliar one, especially in the realm of politics and finance. This practice raises questions about transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in public policy.
Example of Usage
"The numbers were, at best, guesstimates, and all three men knew it. The relevant figure would ultimately be the one that represented the most they could possibly ask from Congress without raising too many questions. Whatever that sum turned out to be, they knew they could count on Interim Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Kashkari to perform some sort of mathematical voodoo to justify it." - Andrew Ross Sorkin
Reflection Questions
In this excerpt from Andrew Ross Sorkin's book, we see a depiction of how numbers can be manipulated to suit one's agenda. This raises some important questions about transparency, accountability, and integrity in decision-making. Reflect on the following questions:
- How can we ensure that numbers and data are presented accurately and truthfully in decision-making processes?
- What ethical considerations should be taken into account when manipulating numbers to achieve a specific outcome?
- In what ways can we hold decision-makers accountable for their use of "mathematical voodoo" in justifying their actions?
- How can we cultivate a culture of transparency and honesty in both public and private sector decision-making?
- What role does the media play in uncovering and exposing deceptive practices related to data manipulation?
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