“Cosmetic decoration, which frequently distorts the data, will never salvage an underlying lack of content.”

“Above all else show the data.”

“Small, noncomparative, highly labeled data sets usually belong in tables.”

“Allowing artist-illustrators to control the design and content of statistical graphics is almost like allowing typographers to control the content, style, and editing of prose.”

“Design cannot rescue failed content.”

“Clutter and confusion are failures of design, not attributes of information.”

“Comparisons must be enforced within the scope of the eyespan, a fundamental point occasionally forgotten in practice.”