“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.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
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.
The Danger of Disregarding the Unmeasurable
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.
Importance of Measuring the Unmeasurable
"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
Reflection Questions
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:
- In what ways do we prioritize easily measurable data in our decision-making processes, and what potential biases or oversights might this approach lead to?
- How can we ensure that we are not disregarding or undervaluing important factors that cannot be easily quantified?
- What strategies can be employed to incorporate qualitative insights and non-measurable factors into our assessments and evaluations?
- How might we challenge the notion that what cannot be easily measured is not important or does not exist, and how can we shift our perspective to recognize the significance of these intangible aspects?
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