How to Make the World Add Up: Ten Rules for Thinking Differently About Numbers

In How to Make the World Add Up: Ten Rules for Thinking Differently About Numbers, Tim Harford draws on his experience as an economist and as presenter of the BBC radio show ‘More or Less’. The book explores the world of disinformation and obfuscation, alongside bad research and misplaced motivation, and considers how to identify the valuable data and analysis that make communicating with numbers so rewarding.

Using vivid storytelling, Harford sets out ways to assess the claims that surround us with confidence, curiosity and a healthy level of scepticism. It is written for readers who care about understanding the world around them and want a clearer approach to thinking about numbers.

Key details

• Author: Tim Harford
• Subtitle: Ten Rules for Thinking Differently About Numbers
• Draws on the author’s experience presenting BBC radio show ‘More or Less’
• Focuses on evaluating claims, data and analysis amid disinformation and bad research

Synopsis

Tim Harford takes readers into the world of disinformation and obfuscation, examining how bad research and misplaced motivation can distort what numbers appear to say. Through storytelling, he shows how to approach the claims we encounter with confidence, curiosity and a healthy level of scepticism, while seeking out the data and analysis that make communicating with numbers rewarding.