In this quote by Daniel Yankelovich, he outlines a critical flaw in the way society often approaches measurement and valuation. Yankelovich highlights a dangerous progression in which easily measurable factors are prioritized, while intangible or difficult-to-measure aspects are dismissed or devalued. This quote serves as a powerful reminder of the limitations of a purely quantitative approach and the importance of recognizing the significance of qualitative, subjective elements in our decision-making processes.
In today's data-driven world, the temptation to focus only on what can be easily quantified is ever-present. However, Daniel Yankelovich's words serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of this approach. By disregarding the unmeasurable or assigning arbitrary values to it, we risk overlooking the truly important aspects of a situation. This can lead to blind spots and even denial of realities that cannot be neatly captured in numbers. It is important to remember that just because something can't be easily measured, doesn't mean it isn't significant or doesn't exist. Ignoring the intangible and immeasurable aspects of a situation can have dire consequences.
"The first step is to measure whatever can be easily measured. This is OK as far as it goes. The second step is to disregard that which can't be easily measured or to give it an arbitrary quantitative value. This is artificial and misleading. The third step is to presume that what can't be measured easily really isn't important. This is blindness. The fourth step is to say that what can't be easily measured really doesn't exist. This is suicide." - Daniel Yankelovich
Daniel Yankelovich's quote brings up important considerations about the limitations of relying solely on measurable data and the dangers of discounting the significance of things that cannot be easily quantified. Reflecting on this quote, consider the following questions: